Effects of early postnatal gastric and colonic microbiota transplantation on piglet gut health

Background Diarrhea is a major cause of reduced growth and mortality in piglets during the suckling and weaning periods and poses a major threat to the global pig industry.Diarrhea and gut dysbiosis may in part be prevented via improved early postnatal microbial colonization of the gut.To secure better postnatal gut colonization,we hypothesized that transplantation of colonic or gastric content from healthy donors to newborn recipients would prevent diarrhea in the recipients in the post-weaning period.Our objective was to examine the impact of transplanting colonic or gastric content on health and growth parameters and paraclinical parameters in recipient single-housed piglets exposed to a weaning transition and challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC).Methods Seventy-two 1-day-old piglets were randomized to four groups:colonic microbiota transplantation(CMT,n=18),colonic content filtrate transplantation(CcFT,n=18),gastric microbiota transplantation(GMT,n=18),or saline(CON,n=18).Inoculations were given on d 2 and 3 of life,and all piglets were milk-fed until weaning(d 20)and shortly after challenged with ETEC(d 24).We assessed growth,diarrhea prevalence,ETEC concentration,organ weight,blood parameters,small intestinal morphology and histology,gut mucosal function,and microbiota composition and diversity.Results Episodes of diarrhea were seen in all groups during both the milk-and the solid-feeding phase,possibly due to stress associated with single housing.However,CcFT showed lower diarrhea prevalence on d 27,28,and 29 compared to CON(all P<0.05).CcFT also showed a lower ETEC prevalence on d 27(P<0.05).CMT showed a higher alpha diversity and a difference in beta diversity compared to CON(P<0.05).Growth and other paraclinical endpoints were similar across groups.Conclusion In conclusion,only CcFT reduced ETEC-related post-weaning diarrhea.However,the protective effect was marginal,suggesting that higher doses,more effective modalities of administration,longer treatment periods,and better donor quality should be explored by future research to optimize the protective effects of transplantation.

Differential roles of C-3 and C-6 phosphate monoesters in affecting potato starch properties

The effects of starch phosphate monoester content(SPC),namely C-3(C3P)and C-6 phosphate monoesters(C6P),on the starch properties were investigated using four potato starches with varied SPC/C3P/C6P and two nonphosphorylated maize starches with a similar range of amylose content(AC)as controls.The starch property results showed that a higher SPC is associated with lower turbidity,storage and loss modulus after storage,and water solubility,but higher swelling power(SP)and pasting viscosities.These findings suggested that SPC inhibited molecular rearrangement during storage and starch leaching during heating,and enhanced swelling and viscosities due to increased hydration and water uptake caused by the repulsion effect of phosphate groups and a less ordered crystalline structure.Increased SPC also resulted in lower resistant starch(RS)content in a native granular state but higher RS after retrogradation.Pearson correlations further indicated that SPC/C3P/C6P were positively correlated with peak(r^(2)=0.925,0.873 and 0.930,respectively),trough(r^(2)=0.994,0.968 and 0.988,respectively),and final viscosities(r^(2)=0.981,0.968 and 0.971,respectively).Notably,SPC,mainly C3P,exhibited a significantly positive correlation with SP(r^(2)=0.859)and setback viscosity(r^(2)=0.867),whereas SPC,mainly C6P,showed a weak positive correlation with RS after retrogradation(r^(2)=0.746).However,SPC had no significant correlations with water solubility,turbidity and rheology properties,which were more correlated with AC.These findings are helpful for the food industry to select potato starches with desired properties based on their contents of SPC,C3P,or C6P.

The efficiency and safety evaluation of hemoglobin hydrolysate as a non-heme iron fortifier

Hemoglobin hydrolysate is derived from the enzymatic degradation of hemoglobin.This work aimed to evaluate whether hemoglobin hydrolysate promotes the absorption of non-heme iron and the safety of absorbed iron in mice by analyzing the iron binding content,iron circulation,and liver homeostasis.We found that hemoglobin hydrolysate promoted the absorption of non-heme iron with high efficiency in duodenum by spontaneously binding non-heme iron during digestion,and increased hepatic iron content by up-regulating divalent metal transporter 1,zinc transporter 14,but hepatic iron content only increased at 3 weeks.Duodenal iron entered the blood through ferroportin without restriction at 3 weeks,and excessive iron entered the liver and then affected the hepatocyte membranes permeability and lipid synthesis through oxidative stress.With the prolongation of dietary intervention,the up-regulated hepcidin acted on the ferroportin to restrict excess iron from entering the blood,and then the hepatic homeostasis recovered.In addition,hemoglobin hydrolysate enhanced the hepatic antioxidant capacity.Taken together,hemoglobin hydrolysate has a strong ability to promote the absorption of non-heme iron in vivo,and the absorbed iron is relatively safe due to the regulation of hepcidin.

The Use of Far Infrared Treatment Prior to Exercise in Horses: An mfBIA and Acoustic Myography Three Case Study

Background: Acute effects of Far Infrared (FIR) treatment in horses are unknown, especially short periods of 30 minutes, as is any effect on such muscle parameters as warm-up balance, overall exercise balance and laterality asymmetries. Aim: This study examines three equine cases in detail to measure any effects of a short period of FIR treatment. Methods: Multi-frequency bioimpedance (mfBIA) and acoustic myography (AMG), non-invasive techniques, were applied pre- and post-treatment with FIR to the back (T5-L4/5) and for m.Longissimus dorsi and m.Gluteus medius was recorded during a 15-minute warm-up regimen. mfBIA parameters included extracellular resistance (Re), centre frequency (fc), membrane capacitance (Mc), intracellular resistance (Ri) and phase angle (PA) which indicates level of training and health status. Results: FIR treatment responses for mfBIA parameters were found to be horse-specific and different, whilst in terms of AMG, FIR treatment for 30 minutes had a beneficial effect on overall balance in all three horses (5 out of 6 muscles), and a beneficial effect on the AMG parameter ST (force symmetry) in all three horses (6 out of 6 muscles). An overall improvement for combined balance and ST values for both muscles and all three horses of 86% was noted with FIR treatment, compared to 56% without. Conclusions: This preliminary study of FIR treatment in three horses, has been found to result in an overall improvement in combined balance and ST values for both muscles. FIR has potential as a promising treatment to reduce the risk of warm-up-related injuries in athletic horses.

Leisure-time physical activity and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes:Cross-country comparison of cohort studies

Purpose:This study aimed to quantify the dose-response association and the minimal effective dose of leisure-time physical activity(PA)to prevent mortality and cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes.Methods:Cross-country comparison of 2 prospective cohort studies including 14,913 and 17,457 population-based adults with type 2 diabetes from the UK and China.Baseline leisure-time PA was self-reported and categorized by metabolic equivalent hours per week(MET-h/week)according to World Health Organization recommendations:none,below recommendation(>0-7.49 MET-h/week);at recommended level(7.5-14.9 MET-h/week);above recommendation(>15 MET-h/week).Mortality and cardiovascular disease data were obtained from national registries.Results:During a median follow-up of 12.4 and 9.7 years,in the UK and China cohorts,repectively,higher levels of leisure-time PA were inversely associated with all-cause(1571 and 2351 events)and cardiovascular mortality(392 and 1060 events),mostly consistent with a linear dose-response relationship.PA below,at,and above recommendations,compared with no activity,yielded all-cause mortality hazard ratios of0.94(95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.79-1.12),0.90(95%CI:0.74-1.10),and 0.85(95%CI:0.70-1.02)in British adults and 0.87(95%CI:0.68-1.10),0.88(95%CI:0.74-1.03),and 0.77(95%CI:0.70-0.85)in Chinese adults.Associations with cardiovascular mortality were more pronounced in British adults(0.80(95%CI:0.58-1.11),0.75(95%CI:0.52-1.09),and 0.69(95%CI:0.48-0.97))but less pronounced in Chinese adults(1.06(95%CI:0.76-1.47),1.01(95%CI:0.80-1.28),and 0.79(95%CI:0.69-0.92)).PA at recommended levels was not associated with lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events(2345 and 4458 events).Conclusion:Leisure-time PA at the recommended levels was not convincingly associated with lower mortality and had no association with risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in British or Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes.Leisure-time PA above current recommendations may be needed to prevent cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in developed countries and reduces patients’quality of life,hinders their ability to work,and increases health care costs.A growing number of trials have demonstrated an aberrant gut microbiota composition in IBS,also known as‘gut dysbiosis’.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)has been suggested as a treatment for IBS.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of FMT for the treatment of IBS.METHODS We searched Cochrane Central,MEDLINE,EMBASE and Web of Science up to 24 October 2022 for randomised controlled trials(RCTs)investigating the effectiveness of FMT compared to placebo(including autologous FMT)in treating IBS.The primary outcome was the number of patients with improvements of symptoms measured using a validated,global IBS symptoms score.Secondary outcomes were changes in quality-of-life scores,non-serious and serious adverse events.Risk ratios(RR)and corresponding 95%CI were calculated for dichotomous outcomes,as were the mean differences(MD)and 95%CI for continuous outcomes.The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the trials.GRADE criteria were used to assess the overall quality of the evidence.RESULTS Eight RCTs(484 participants)were included in the review.FMT resulted in no significant benefit in IBS symptoms three months after treatment compared to placebo(RR 1.19,95%CI:0.68-2.10).Adverse events were reported in 97 participants in the FMT group and in 45 participants in the placebo group(RR 1.17,95%CI:0.63-2.15).One serious adverse event occurred in the FMT group and two in the placebo group(RR 0.42,95%CI:0.07-2.60).Endoscopic FMT delivery resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms,while capsules did not.FMT did not improve the quality of life of IBS patients but,instead,appeared to reduce it,albeit non significantly(MD-6.30,95%CI:-13.39-0.79).The overall quality of the evidence was low due to moderate-high inconsistency,the small number of patients in the studies,and imprecision.CONCLUSION We found insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of FMT for IBS.Larger trials are needed.

Harvesting the fruits of the first stage of the Primate Genome Project

Primates are highly successful mammals with significant morphological,behavioral,and physiological diversity.Studying the genomes of non-human primates,as the closest relative of humans,can provide insights into human evolution,genetic structure,and potential drug targets relevant to human health,thus making important contributions to medical research.Additionally,primate genome research can support ecological balance and resource conservation and promote sustainable development and human well-being.Despite the existence of more than 500 primate species belonging to 80 genera and 16 families worldwide,with new species still being discovered in recent years(Fan et al.,2017;Khanal et al.,2021;Roos et al.,2020),genome sequencing efforts have been limited to a relatively small number of species from only 22 genera(Ensembl v103).Notably,approximately 72%of primate genera remain unsequenced,leading to significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of their evolutionary history.This situation presents considerable challenges for the development,utilization,and protection of primate genetic resources.It is for these compelling reasons that we initiated the Primate Genome Project(PGP)(Wu et al.,2022).

A network meta-analysis on comparison of invasive and non-invasive sampling methods to characterize intestinal microbiota of birds

Birds maintain complex and intimate associations with a diverse community of microbes in their intestine.Multiple invasive and non-invasive sampling methods are used to characterize these communities to answer a multitude of eco-evolutionary questions related to host-gut microbiome symbioses.However,the comparability of these invasive and non-invasive sampling methods is sparse with contradicting findings.Through performing a network meta-analysis for 13 published bird gut microbiome studies,here we attempt to investigate the comparability of these invasive and non-invasive sampling methods.The two most used non-invasive sampling methods(cloacal swabs and fecal samples)showed significantly different results in alpha diversity and taxonomic relative abundances compared to invasive samples.Overall,non-invasive samples showed decreased alpha diversity compared to intestinal samples,but the alpha diversities of fecal samples were more comparable to the intestinal samples.On the contrary,the cloacal swabs characterized significantly lower alpha diversities than in intestinal samples,but the taxonomic relative abundances acquired from cloacal swabs were similar to the intestinal samples.Phylogenetic status,diet,and domestication degree of host birds also influenced the differences in microbiota characterization between invasive and non-invasive samples.Our results indicate a general pattern in microbiota differences among intestinal mucosal and non-invasive samples across multiple bird taxa,while highlighting the importance of evaluating the appropriateness of the microbiome sampling methods used to answer specific research questions.The overall results also suggest the potential importance of using both fecal and cloacal swab sampling together to properly characterize bird microbiomes.

Non-breeding movements of the Black-tailed Gull(Larus crassirostris)

With the continued development of tracking technology and increasing interest in animal movement,our understanding of migration behavior has become more comprehensive.However,there are still many species that have not been well studied,particularly sea birds.Here,we present the first year-round Global Positioning System(GPS)tracking data of the Black-tailed Gull(Larus crassirostris)at the population level.We used solar-powered GPS-Global System for Mobile communication(GSM)loggers to successfully track 30 individuals breeding at Xingrentuo Islet,Liaoning Province,China,for 1-3 years.Except for one individual who roamed in the far north of the Yellow Sea during non-breeding period,all others did a directed southward migration.Migration routes and wintering sites differed among migrating gulls and between years for the birds tracked for two or more years.Additionally,during wintering,the migrating gulls were more likely to travel over a large body of water and shift sites,and some trajectories were quite complex,which was probably closely related to what we observed in the field about their boat-chasing behavior.Compared to wintering movements,the post-breeding movements ranged over a smaller area.Specifically,almost all of them had a long post-breeding period near the breeding islet(≥120days,<220 km from the breeding islet),and 80%of the gulls who were tracked more than one year had at least one faithful post-breeding site.Compared to the post-breeding period,only approximately half of the migrating gulls had a pre-breeding period that was shorter(3-20 days)and closer to the breeding islet(≤80 km).Migration distance varied among migrating gulls(range 209-2405 km)and the gulls moved least distance during postbreeding period.Furthermore,we found that the southward movement of the migrating gulls occurred when the temperature near the breeding islet dropped;specifically,the gulls directly migrated southward away from the post-breeding site.Our results suggest that the Black-tailed Gull has a long post-breeding period but a short prebreeding period near the breeding islet and high diversity of their migrating patterns(in especial migration routes and wintering sites).

When nets meet environmental DNA metabarcoding:integrative approach to unveil invertebrate community patterns of hypersaline lakes

Saline and hypersaline wetlands account for almost half of the volume of inland water globally.They provide pivotal habitat for a vast range of species,including crucial ecosystem services for humans such as carbon sink storage and extractive resource reservoirs.Despite their importance,effective ecological assessment is in its infancy compared to current conventional surveys carried out in freshwater ecosystems.The integration of environmental DNA(eDNA)analysis and traditional techniques has the potential to transform biomonitoring processes,particularly in remote and understudied saline environments.In this context,this preliminary study aims to explore the potential of eDNA coupled with conventional approaches by targeting five hypersaline lakes at Rottnest Island(Wadjemup)in Western Australia.We focused on the invertebrate community,a widely accepted key ecological indicator to assess the conservational status in rivers and lakes.The combination of metabarcoding with morphology-based taxonomic analysis described 16 taxa belonging to the orders Anostraca,Diptera,Isopoda,and Coleoptera.DNA-based diversity assessment revealed more taxa at higher taxonomic resolution than the morphology-based taxonomic analysis.However,certain taxa(i.e.,Ephydridae,Stratyiomidae,Ceratopogonidae)were only identified via net surveying.Overall,our results indicate that great potential resides in combining conventional net-based surveys with novel eDNA approaches in saline and hypersaline lakes.Indeed,urgent and effective conservational frameworks are required to contrast the enormous pressure that these ecosystems are increasingly facing.Further investigations at larger spatial temporal scales will allow consolidation of robust,reliable,and affordable biomonitoring frameworks in the underexplored world of saline wetlands.

Plethysmograph training:A refinement for collection of respiration data in mice

Inhaled chemicals can harm the airways.Different effects can result in distinct changes in respiratory patterns;the type of change indicates where and how the respiratory system is affected.Furthermore,changes in respiratory patterns may be detected at much lower substance concentrations than those that cause more serious effects,such as histopathological changes.Changes in respiratory patterns can be studied experimentally by monitoring the breathing of mice placed in plethysmographs and exposing head-out to the test substance.The method is well established;however,it is not known if training mice in being restrained in the plethysmograph could increase the quality of data collection.Here we report the results of training mice to be restrained in plethysmographs for 5 consecutive days,with respect to body weight,respiratory parameters,and time spent in the plethysmograph,before they are removed because of unstable breathing patterns.The mice tolerated the procedure better(measured by time in the plethysmograph)on the second day of training than the first day.Training did not change the breathing parameters between days.Breathing parameters stabilized within 5 min after the mice were placed in the plethysmographs on all days.There was an average of 3%weight loss between the first and last days of the training,indicating that the training procedure placed some strain on the animals.Training reduces the number of mice attempting to escape from the plethysmograph.

NMR diffusion analysis of catalytic conversion mixtures from lignocellulose biomass using PSYCHE-iDOSY

The component analysis and structure characterization of complex mixtures of biomass conversion remain a challenging work.Hence,developing effective and easy to use techniques is necessary.Diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy(DOSY)is a non-selective and non-invasive method capable of achieving pseudo-separation and structure assignments of individual compounds from biomass mixtures by providing diffusion coefficients(D)of the components.However,the conventional 1H DOSY NMR is limited by crowded resonances when analyzing complex mixtures containing similar chemical structure resulting in similar coefficient.Herein we describe the application of an advanced diffusion NMR method,Pure Shift Yielded by CHirp Excitation DOSY(PSYCHE-iDOSY),which can record high-resolution signal diffusion spectra efficiently separating compounds in model and genuine mixture samples from cellulose,hemicellulose and lignin.Complicated sets of isomers(D-glucose/D-fructose/D-mannose and 1,2-/1,5-pentadiol),homologous compounds(ethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol),model compounds of lignin,and a genuine reaction system(furfuryl alcohol hydrogenolysis with ring opening)were successfully separated in the diffusion dimension.The results show that the ultrahigh-resolution DOSY technique is capable of detecting and pseudo-separating the mixture components of C_(5)/C_(6) sugar conversion products and its derivative hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis from lignocellulose biomass.

Whole‑genome transcriptome and DNA methylation dynamics of pre‑implantation embryos reveal progression of embryonic genome activation in buffaloes

Background During mammalian pre-implantation embryonic development(PED),the process of maternal-to-zygote transition(MZT)is well orchestrated by epigenetic modification and gene sequential expression,and it is related to the embryonic genome activation(EGA).During MZT,the embryos are sensitive to the environment and easy to arrest at this stage in vitro.However,the timing and regulation mechanism of EGA in buffaloes remain obscure.Results Buffalo pre-implantation embryos were subjected to trace cell based RNA-seq and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing(WGBS)to draw landscapes of transcription and DNA-methylation.Four typical developmental steps were classified during buffalo PED.Buffalo major EGA was identified at the 16-cell stage by the comprehensive analy-sis of gene expression and DNA methylation dynamics.By weighted gene co-expression network analysis,stage-spe-cific modules were identified during buffalo maternal-to-zygotic transition,and key signaling pathways and biological process events were further revealed.Programmed and continuous activation of these pathways was necessary for success of buffalo EGA.In addition,the hub gene,CDK1,was identified to play a critical role in buffalo EGA.Conclusions Our study provides a landscape of transcription and DNA methylation in buffalo PED and reveals deeply the molecular mechanism of the buffalo EGA and genetic programming during buffalo MZT.It will lay a foundation for improving the in vitro development of buffalo embryos.

The Effects of Using a Specially Designed Stirrup on Kinetic Energy Absorption by the Knee Joint of 12 Show Jumping/Eventing Riders

The use of Winderen Knee Protection Solution stirrups compared to standard iron stirrups, reveals the following benefits: 1) A reduction of stress or strain time in the order of 14 seconds per minute of activity whilst walking and 5 - 7 seconds less whilst trotting or cantering for muscles around the knee. 2) A reduction of stress or strain time in the order of 25 seconds per minute of activity whilst walking and 9 - 10 seconds less whilst trotting or cantering for ligaments around the knee. 3) A significant improvement in the E-score (less time exposed to stress and shock) and ST-score (lower force around the knee) whilst walking. 4) A considerable improvement in rider comfort and feeling of leg stability (self-assessment) compared with the owners current stirrups, whilst riding.

Alkaline sphingomyelinase deficiency impairs intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and reduces antioxidant capacity in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with an unknown etiology.Alkaline sphingomyelinase(alk-SMase)is specifically expressed by intestinal epithelial cells,and has been reported to play an anti-inflammatory role.However,the underlying mechanism is still unclear.AIM To explore the mechanism of alk-SMase anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal barrier function and oxidative stress in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis.METHODS Mice were administered 3%DSS drinking water,and disease activity index was determined to evaluate the status of colitis.Intestinal permeability was evaluated by gavage administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran,and bacterial translocation was evaluated by measuring serum lipopolysaccharide.Intestinal epithelial cell ultrastructure was observed by electron microscopy.Western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of intestinal barrier proteins and mRNA,respectively.Serum oxidant and antioxidant marker levels were analyzed using commercial kits to assess oxidative stress levels.RESULTS Compared to wild-type(WT)mice,inflammation and intestinal permeability in alk-SMase knockout(KO)mice were more severe beginning 4 d after DSS induction.The mRNA and protein levels of intestinal barrier proteins,including zonula occludens-1,occludin,claudin-3,claudin-5,claudin-8,mucin 2,and secretory immunoglobulin A,were significantly reduced on 4 d after DSS treatment.Ultrastructural observations revealed progressive damage to the tight junctions of intestinal epithelial cells.Furthermore,by day 4,mitochondria appeared swollen and degenerated.Additionally,compared to WT mice,serum malondialdehyde levels in KO mice were higher,and the antioxidant capacity was significantly lower.The expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)in the colonic mucosal tissue of KO mice was significantly decreased after DSS treatment.mRNA levels of Nrf2-regulated downstream antioxidant enzymes were also decreased.Finally,colitis in KO mice could be effectively relieved by the injection of tertiary butylhydroquinone,which is an Nrf2 activator.CONCLUSION Alk-SMase regulates the stability of the intestinal mucosal barrier and enhances antioxidant activity through the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Astrocyte chloride,excitatory-inhibitory balance and epilepsy

Excitation and inhibition are at the core of brain function and malfunction.To sustain the activity of neuronal networks over time and space,glutamatergic excitation is balanced by GABAergic inhibition.The equipoise of excitation and inhibition,known as the excitation/inhibition(E/I)balance,is crucial for proper brain function.The E/I balance is highly dynamic and shifts across different brain states:wakefulness primarily augments excitatory activity,while sleep promotes a decrease in excitation and an increase in inhibition(Bridi et al.,2020).Neuronal activity during various brain states is primarily regulated by neurotransmitters(Schiemann et al.,2015),alongside non-synaptic mechanisms that operate on a slower timescale.The non-synaptic mechanisms are many,with the ionic composition of the extracellular space playing a significant role;altering extracellular ion concentrations affects sleep,arousal,electroencephalogram patterns,and behavioral states(Ding et al.,2016).

Pressure pain sensitivity: A new stress measure in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes(T1D)is associated with general-and diabetes-specific stress which has multiple adverse effects.Hence measuring stress is of great importance.An algometer measuring pressure pain sensitivity(PPS)has been shown to correlate to certain stress measures in adults.However,it has never been investigated in children and adolescents.The aim of our study was to examine associations between PPS and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),salivary cortisol and two questionnaires as well as to identify whether the algometer can be used as a clinical tool among children and adolescents with T1D.Eighty-three participants aged 6-18 years and diagnosed with T1D were included in this study with data from two study visits.Salivary cortisol,PPS and questionnaires were collected,measured,and answered on site.HbA1c was collected from medical files.We found correlations between PPS and HbA1c(rho=0.35,P=0.046),cortisol(rho=-0.25,P=0.02)and Perceived Stress Scale(rho=-0.44,P=0.02)in different subgroups based on age.Males scored higher in PPS than females(P<0.001).We found PPS to be correlated to HbA1c but otherwise inconsistent in results.High PPS values indicated either measurement difficulties or hypersensibility towards pain.

Inflammatory pathways of importance for management of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a group of chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract comprising Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC).Their etiologies are unknown,but they are characterised by an imbalanced production of pro-inflammatory mediators,e.g.,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,as well as increased recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation.Advantages in understanding the role of the inflammatory pathways in IBD and an inadequate response to conventional therapy in a large portion of patients,has over the last two decades lead to new therapies which includes the TNF inhibitors(TNFi),designed to target and neutralise the effect of TNF-α.TNFi have shown to be efficient in treating moderate to severe CD and UC.However,convenient alternative therapeutics targeting other immune pathways are needed for patients with IBD refractory to conventional therapy including TNFi.Indeed,several therapeutics are currently under development,and have shown success in clinical trials.These include antibodies targeting and neutralising interleukin-12/23,small pharmacologic Janus kinase inhibitors designed to block intracellular signaling of several pro-inflammatory cytokines,antibodies targeting integrins,and small anti-adhesion molecules that block adhesion between leukocytes and the intestinal vascular endothelium,reducing their infiltration into the inflamed mucosa.In this review we have elucidated the major signaling pathways of clinical importance for IBD therapy and highlighted the new promising therapies available.As stated in this paper several new treatment options are under development for the treatment of CD and UC,however,no drug fits all patients.Hence,optimisations of treatment regimens are warranted for the benefit of the patients either through biomarker establishment or other rationales to maximise the effect of the broad range of mode-of-actions of the present and future drugs in IBD.

Strategies for combating bacterial biofilm infections

Formation of biofilm is a survival strategy for bacteria and fungi to adapt to their living environment, especially in the hostile environment. Under the protection of biofilm, microbial cells in biofilm become tolerant and resistant to antibiotics and the immune responses, which increases the difficulties for the clinical treatment of biofilm infections. Clinical and laboratory investigations demonstrated a perspicuous correlation between biofilm infection and medical foreign bodies or indwelling devices. Clinical observations and experimental studies indicated clearly that antibiotic treatment alone is in most cases insufficient to eradicate biofilm infections. Therefore, to effectively treat biofilm infections with currently available antibiotics and evaluate the outcomes become important and urgent for clinicians. The review summarizes the latest progress in treatment of clinical biofilm infections and scientific investigations, discusses the diagnosis and treatment of different biofilm infections and introduces the promising laboratory progress, which may contribute to prevention or cure of biofilm infections. We conclude that, an efficient treatment of biofilm infections needs a well-established multidisciplinary collaboration, which includes removal of the infected foreign bodies, selection of biofilm-active, sensitive and well-penetrating antibiotics, systemic or topical antibiotic administration in high dosage and combinations, and administration of anti-quorum sensing or biofilm dispersal agents.

Effect of Simulated N Deposition on Soil Exchangeable Cations in Three Forest Types of Subtropical China

The effects of simulated nitrogen(N)deposition on soil exchangeable cations were studied in three forest types of subtropical China.Four N treatments with three replications were designed for the monsoon evergreen broadleaf forest (mature forest):control(0 kg N ha-1 year-1),low N(50 kg N ha-1 year-1),medium N(100 kg N ha-1 year-1)and high N(150 kg N ha-1 year-1),and only three treatments(i.e.,control,low N,medium N)were established for the pine and mixed forests.Nitrogen had been applied continuously for 26 months before the measurement.The mature forest responded more rapidly and intensively to N additions than the pine and mixed forests,and exhibited some significant negative symptoms,e.g.,soil acidification,Al mobilization and leaching of base cations from soil.The pine and mixed forests responded slowly to N additions and exhibited no significant response of soil cations.Response of soil exchangeable cations to N deposition varied in the forests of subtropical China,depending on soil N status and land-use history.