Effects of added zinc from zinc sulfate or zinc sulfate/zinc oxide combinations on weanling pig growth performance

Three hundred and sixty early-weaned pigs were fed either a control diet containing no added Zn; diets containing added Zn (100, 200, or 400 ppm) from zinc sulfate or a combination of zinc sulfate and zinc oxide (50:50 ratio); or a diet containing 3,000 ppm of added Zn from zinc oxide. No additive effects on growth performance were observed with combinations of zinc sulfate and zinc oxide. Increasing levels of zinc sulfate or increasing the combination of zinc sulfate and zinc oxide had no effect on growth performance. Average daily gain and ADFI were highest for pigs fed diets containing 3,000 ppm of Zn from zinc oxide, which is similar to results of previous research at Kansas State University. To achieve maximum growth performance, 3,000 ppm of Zn from zinc oxide should be added to diets of weanling pigs.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 19, 199

Non-equivalent role of TM2 gating hinges in heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 potassium channels

Comparison of the crystal structures of the KcsA and MthK potassium channels suggests that the process of opening a K+ channel involves pivoted bending of the inner pore-lining helices at a highly conserved glycine residue. This bending motion is proposed to splay the transmembrane domains outwards to widen the gate at the “helix-bundle crossing”. However, in the inwardly rectifying (Kir) potassium channel family, the role of this “hinge” residue in the second transmembrane domain (TM2) and that of another putative glycine gating hinge at the base of TM2 remain controversial. We investigated the role of these two positions in heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 channels, which are unique amongst Kir channels in that both subunits lack a conserved glycine at the upper hinge position. Contrary to the effect seen in other channels, increasing the potential flexibility of TM2 by glycine substitutions at the upper hinge position decreases channel opening. Furthermore, the contribution of the Kir4.1 subunit to this process is dominant compared to Kir5.1, demonstrating a non-equivalent contribution of these two subunits to the gating process. A homology model of heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 shows that these upper “hinge” residues are in close contact with the base of the pore α-helix that supports the selectivity filter. Our results also indicate that the highly conserved glycine at the “lower” gating hinge position is required for tight packing of the TM2 helices at the helix-bundle crossing, rather than acting as a hinge residue

Pitfalls and complications in the treatment of cervical spine fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are at significant risk for sustaining cervical spine injuries following trauma predisposed by kyphosis, stiffness and osteoporotic bone quality of the spine. The risk of sustaining neurological deficits in this patient population is higher than average. The present review article provides an outline on the specific injury patterns in the cervical spine, diagnostic algorithms and specific treatment modalities dictated by the underlying disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. An emphasis is placed on the risks and complication patterns in the treatment of these rare, but challenging injuries

Effect of garlic on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at the publisher's website.Background: Non-pharmacological treatment options for hypertension have the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease at a population level. Animal studies have suggested that garlic reduces blood pressure, but primary studies in humans and non-systematic reviews have reported mixed results. With interest in complementary medicine for hypertension increasing, it is timely to update a systematic review and meta-analysis from 1994 of studies investigating the effect of garlic preparations on blood pressure. Methods: We searched the Medline and Embase databases for studies published between 1955 and October 2007. Randomised controlled trials with true placebo groups, using garlic-only preparations, and reporting mean systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) and standard deviations were included in the meta-analysis. We also conducted subgroup meta-analysis by baseline blood pressure (hypertensive/normotensive), for the first time. Meta-regression analysis was performed to test the associations between blood pressure outcomes and duration of treatment, dosage, and blood pressure at start of treatment. Results: Eleven of 25 studies included in the systematic review were suitable for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of all studies showed a mean decrease of 4.6 ± 2.8 mm Hg for SBP in the garlic group compared to placebo (n = 10; p = 0.001), while the mean decrease in the hypertensive subgroup was 8.4 ± 2.8 mm Hg for SBP (n = 4; p < 0.001), and 7.3 ± 1.5 mm Hg for DBP (n = 3; p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant association between blood pressure at the start of the intervention and the level of blood pressure reduction (SBP: R = 0.057; p = 0.03; DBP: R = -0.315; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests that garlic preparations are superior to placebo in reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.Karin Ried, Oliver R. Frank, Nigel P. Stocks, Peter Fakler and Thomas Sulliva

Requirement of argininosuccinate lyase for systemic nitric oxide production

Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial in diverse physiological and pathological processes. We show that a hypomorphic mouse model of argininosuccinate lyase (encoded by Asl) deficiency has a distinct phenotype of multiorgan dysfunction and NO deficiency. Loss of Asl in both humans and mice leads to reduced NO synthesis, owing to both decreased endogenous arginine synthesis and an impaired ability to use extracellular arginine for NO production. Administration of nitrite, which can be converted into NO in vivo, rescued the manifestations of NO deficiency in hypomorphic Asl mice, and a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-independent NO donor restored NO-dependent vascular reactivity in humans with ASL deficiency. Mechanistic studies showed that ASL has a structural function in addition to its catalytic activity, by which it contributes to the formation of a multiprotein complex required for NO production. Our data demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for ASL in NOS function and NO homeostasis. Hence, ASL may serve as a target for manipulating NO production in experimental models, as well as for the treatment of NO-related diseases

Growth and intestinal morphology of pigs from sows fed two zinc sources during gestation and lactation

An experiment was conducted to compare the effects of organic (Zn AA complex, ZnAA) and inorganic Zn (ZnSO4) sources on sows and their progeny during gestation and lactation and on the pigs during the nursery period. The dietary treatments were 1) a corn-soybean meal diet with 100 ppm Zn from ZnSO4 (control); 2) diet 1 + 100 ppm additional Zn from ZnSO4; and 3) diet 1 + 100 ppm additional Zn from ZnAA. Dietary additions were on an as-fed basis. Thirty-one primaparous and multiparous sows were allotted to the treatment diet beginning on d 15 of gestation and continuing through lactation. At weaning (d 17 of age), 202 pigs (63, 55, and 84 pigs for treatments 1 to 3, respectively) were allotted to the same dietary treatment as their dam. The pigs were fed a 3-phase diet regimen during the nursery period: d 0 to 7 (phase I); d 7 to 21 (phase II); and d 21 to 28 (phase III). At weaning and at the end of phase III, 1 gilt per replicate was killed, and the left front foot, liver, pancreas, and entire small intestine were removed. Diet had no effect (P \u3e 0.10) on any response during gestation. During lactation, there was an increase (P \u3c 0.10) in litter birth weight in sows fed ZnAA compared with those fed the control or ZnSO4 diets. The sows fed ZnAA nursed more pigs (P \u3c 0.10) than sows fed the ZnSO4 diet, and they weaned more pigs (P \u3c 0.05) than sows fed the control diet. Jejunal villus height of the weaned pigs from sows fed ZnSO4 was increased (P \u3c 0.05) compared with those from the sows fed the control diet. During the nursery period, growth performance was not affected (P \u3e 0.10) by diet. Pigs fed ZnSO4 had greater duodenal villus width (P \u3c 0.05) than those fed ZnAA, and pigs fed ZnSO4 or the control diet had greater ileal villus width (P \u3c 0.05) than those fed ZnAA. Pigs fed ZnSO 4 or ZnAA had more (P \u3c 0.05) bone Zn than those fed the control diet. Liver Zn concentration was greatest in pigs fed ZnSO4, followed by those fed ZnAA, and then by those fed the control diet (P \u3c 0.05). Pancreas Zn was increased (P \u3c 0.05) in pigs fed ZnSO4 compared with those fed the control diet. These results suggest that 100 ppm Zn in trace mineral premixes provides adequate Zn for optimal growth performance of nursery pigs, but that 100 ppm additional Zn from ZnAA in sow diets may increase pigs born and weaned per litter. ©2006 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved

Additivity of effects from dietary copper and zinc on growth performance and fecal microbiota of pigs after weaning

Four experiments were conducted to determine the interactive effects of pharmacological amounts of Zn from ZnO and Cu from organic (Cu-AA complex; Cu-AA) or inorganic (CuSO 4) sources on growth performance of weanling pigs. The Cu was fed for 4 (Exp. 1) or 6 (Exp. 2, 3, and 4) wk after weaning, and Zn was fed for 4 (Exp. 1) or 2 (Exp. 2, 3, and 4) wk after weaning. Treatments were replicated with 7 pens of 5 or 6 pigs per pen (19.0 ± 1.4 d of age and 5.8 ± 0.4 kg of BW, Exp. 1), 12 pens of 21 pigs per pen (about 21 d of age and 5.3 kg of BW, Exp. 2), 5 pens of 4 pigs per pen (20.3 ± 0.5 d of age and 7.0 ± 0.5 kg of BW, Exp. 3), and 16 pens of 21 pigs per pen (about 21 d of age and 5.7 kg of BW, Exp. 4). In Exp. 1 and 2, Cu-AA (0 vs. 100 mg/kg of Cu) and ZnO (0 vs. 3,000 mg/kg of Zn) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Only Exp. 1 used in-feed antibiotic (165 mg of oxytetracycline and 116 mg of neomycin per kilogram feed), and Exp. 2 was conducted at a commercial farm. In Exp. 3, sources of Cu (none; CuSO 4 at 250 mg/kg of Cu; and Cu-AA at 100 mg/kg of Cu) and ZnO (0 vs. 3,000 mg/ kg of Zn) were used in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. In Exp. 4, treatments were no additional Cu, CuSO 4 at 315 mg/kg of Cu, or Cu-AA at 100 mg/kg of Cu to a diet supplemented with 3,000 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO and in-feed antibiotic (55 mg of carbadox per kilogram of feed). In Exp. 1 and 2, both Zn and Cu-AA improved (P \u3c 0.001 to P = 0.03) ADG and ADFI. No interactions were observed, except in wk 1 of Exp. 2, where Zn increased the G:F only in the absence of Cu-AA (Cu-AA × Zn, P = 0.04). A naturally occurring colibacillosis diarrhea outbreak occurred during this experiment. The ZnO addition reduced (P \u3c 0.001) the number of pigs removed and pig-days on antibiotic therapy. In Exp 3, ADFI in wk 2 was improved by Zn and Cu (P \u3c 0.001 and P = 0.09, respectively) with no interactions. In wk 1, G:F was reduced by ZnO only in the absence of Cu (Cu × Zn, P = 0.03). Feeding Zn decreased fecal microbiota diversity in the presence of CuSO 4 but increased it in the presence of Cu-AA (Cu source × Zn, P = 0.06). In Exp. 4, Cu supplementation improved the overall ADG (P = 0.002) and G:F (P \u3c 0.001). The CuSO 4 effect on G:F was greater (P \u3c 0.001) than the Cu-AA effect. Our results indicate that pharmacological amounts of ZnO and Cu (Cu-AA or CuSO 4) are additive in promoting growth of pigs after weaning. © 2011 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved

Ergebnisse nach operativer Versorgung von periprothetischen proximalen Femurfrakturen. Osteosynthese mit Endoprothesenerhaltung gegenüber Endoprothesenwechsel

Background: Periprosthetic fractures (PPF) of the femur close to the hip joint have serious consequences for most geriatric affected patients. In principle, apart from the highly uncommon conservative therapy, there are two therapeutic options. On the one hand, the prosthesis-preserving treatment by means of osteosynthesis using plates and/or cerclages in general is available. On the other hand, a (partial) change of the prosthesis with optionally additive osteosynthesis or a proximal femoral replacement can be performed because of prosthesis loosening or non-reconstructable comminuted fractures as well as most cemented stem variations.The aim of this retrospective study is the analysis of periprosthetic proximal femoral fractures in the presence of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The outcome of the operated patients is to be investigated depending on the type of care (osteosynthesis with prosthesis preservation vs. prosthesis change).Material and methods: In a retrospective case analysis, 80 patients with THA and PPF were included. They were divided into two groups. Group I represents the osteosynthetic treatment to preserve the implanted THA (n=42). Group II (n=38) includes those patients who were treated by a change of their endoprosthesis with or without additional osteosynthesis. Specifics of all patients, like gender, age at fracture, interval between fracture and implantation, length of in-patient stay, body mass index, osteoporosis, corticomedullary index and complications such as infections, re-fracture, loosening, material failure or other complications, were recorded and compared. Furthermore, the patients were re-examined by a questionnaire and the score according to Merle d'Aubigné and Postel.Results: In group I the mean follow-up time was 48.5±23 months (4 years) whereas group II amounted 32.5±24.5 months (2.7 years) (p=0.029). Besides, there were significant differences in age (81± 11 years vs. 76±10 years, p=0.047) and length of in-patient stay (14.5±8.6 days vs. 18.0±16.7 days, p=0.014). According to the score of Merle d'Aubigné and Postel, there were significantly better values for the pain in group II with comparable values for mobility and walking ability.Conclusion: The treatment of periprosthetic proximal fractures of the femur is dependent on the classification (Vancouver and Johannsen) and in particular on the prosthetic anchoring as well as the extent of the comminution zone. Older patients and patients with osteoporosis are more frequently treated with an endoprosthesis revision. Patients, who have been treated with an osteosynthesis for preserving their endoprosthesis, showed a shorter length of in-patient stay and fewer complications than people with replacement surgery. In contrast to that, patients with prosthesis revision had better outcomes concerning the score of Merle d'Aubigné and Postel.Hintergrund: Periprothetische Frakturen (PPF) des hüftgelenksnahen Oberschenkelknochens haben für die meist geriatrischen Patienten schwerwiegende Folgen. Prinzipiell gibt es neben der sehr seltenen konservativen Therapie zwei therapeutische Optionen. Zum einen ist dies das prothesenerhaltende Vorgehen mittels Osteosynthese durch Platten und/oder Cerclagen. Zum anderen kann aufgrund von Prothesenlockerungen oder nicht rekonstruierbaren Trümmerfrakturen sowie den meisten zementierten Schaftvariationen ein (teilweiser) Prothesenwechsel mit wahlweise additiver Osteosynthese oder ein proximaler Femurersatz durchgeführt werden.Das Ziel dieser retrospektiven Studie ist die Analyse von periprothetischen proximalen Femurfrakturen bei einliegender Hüfttotalendoprothese. Je nach Art der Versorgung (Osteosynthese mit Endoprothesenerhalt gegenüber Endoprothesenwechsel) soll das Ergebnis der operierten Patienten untersucht werden.Material und Methoden: In einer retrospektiven Fallanalyse wurden 80 Patienten mit HTEP und PPF eingeschlossen. Sie wurden in zwei Gruppen eingeteilt. Gruppe I repräsentiert die osteosynthetische Behandlung zum Erhalt der implantierten HTEP (n=42). Gruppe II (n=38) umfasst die Patienten, die durch einen Endoprothesenwechsel mit oder ohne zusätzliche Osteosynthese behandelt wurden. Die Besonderheiten aller Patienten, wie Geschlecht, Alter bei Fraktur, Intervall zwischen Fraktur und Implantation, Dauer des stationären Aufenthalts, Body-Mass-Index, Osteoporose, kortikomedullärer Index und Komplikationen wie Infektionen, Re-Fraktur, Lockerung, Materialversagen oder andere Komplikationen, wurden erfasst und verglichen. Darüber hinaus wurden die Patienten anhand eines Fragebogens erneut untersucht und der Score nach Merle d'Aubigné und Postel ermittelt.Ergebnisse: In Gruppe I betrug die mittlere Nachbeobachtungszeit 48,5±23 Monate (4 Jahre), während sie in Gruppe II 32,5±24,5 Monate (2,7 Jahre) betrug (p=0,029). Außerdem gab es signifikante Unterschiede im Alter (81±11 Jahre vs. 76±10 Jahre, p=0,047) und in der Dauer des stationären Aufenthalts (14,5±8,6 Tage vs. 18,0±16,7 Tage, p=0,014). Gemäß dem Score von Merle d'Aubigné und Postel ergaben sich signifikant bessere Werte für die Schmerzen in Gruppe II mit vergleichbaren Werten für Mobilität und Gehfähigkeit.Schlussfolgerung: Die Behandlung von periprothetischen proximalen Femurfrakturen ist abhängig von der Klassifikation (Vancouver und Johannsen) und insbesondere von der prothetischen Verankerung sowie der Ausdehnung der Trümmerzone. Ältere Patienten und Patienten mit Osteoporose werden häufiger mit einer Endoprothesenrevision behandelt. Patienten, die unter Erhaltung der Endoprothese mit einer Osteosynthese behandelt wurden, zeigten eine kürzere stationäre Verweildauer und weniger Komplikationen als Patienten mit einer Wechseloperation. Im Gegensatz dazu hatten Patienten mit Prothesenrevision bessere Ergebnisse hinsichtlich des Scores von Merle d'Aubigné und Postel

Analysis of TAP2 and HLA-DP gene polymorphism in psoriasis

TAP2 is a gene, located between HLA-DP and HLA-DQ, whose products form a transporter molecule involved in endogenous antigen processing. Polymorphic residues have been described in this gene. TAP2 is of particular interest because its involvement in antigen presentation makes it a candidate for a disease susceptibility gene. In psoriasis, two clinical subtypes analogous to the situation in diabetes type I with early onset and family history and type II with later onset and without family history have been described. We have previously shown that type I but not type II psoriasis is associated with the HLA-DRB1*0701/2, -DQA1*0201, -DQB1*0303 haplotype. To investigate whether this haplotype extends to include particular TAP2 and/or DP alleles, we tested the TAP2 and HLA-DP alleles of a control group (n = 199), patients with psoriasis type I (n = 66), and patients with psoriasis type II (n = 35) by hybridization with SSOs. Our data show that there is no significant correlation between TAP2 and/or HLA-DP gene polymorphism and psoriasis type I and/or type II. We conclude that disease association in type I psoriasis is associated with the extended haplotype HLA-B57, -Cw6, -DRB1*0701/2, -DQA1*0201, -DQB1*0303