Effects of a New Cellulase Derived from Acremonium on Silage Fermentation

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) and timothy (Phleum pratense L) were ensiled in laboratory silos to evaluate the effect of cellulase derived from Acremonium (0, 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02% to alfalfa and 0, 0.006, 0.012, and 0.024% to timothy) on silage fermentation. In alfalfa, the addition of cellulase inhibited the production of butyric acid, and as the percentage of cellulase increased, the concentration of ammonia decreased and the content of lactic acid increased. The dry matter recovery significantly decreased with the addition of cellulase. The quality of timothy silage also increased due to the absence of butyric acid. The quality of silage and dry matter recovery were the highest with 0.006% and 0.012% additions of cellulase, but low with 0.024% addition of the cellulase

Inorganic Mass Spectrometry

To establish a method for sensitive, accurate, and precise determination of Se in real samples, isotope dilution analysis using high-power nitrogen microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometry (N 2 MIP-IDMS) was conducted. In this study, freeze-dried human blood serum (Standard Reference Material, NIES No. 4) provided by NIES (National Institute for Environmental Studies) was used as a real sample. The measured isotopes of Se were 78 Se and 80 Se which are the major isotopes of Se. The appropriate amount of a Se spike solution was theoretically calculated by using an error multiplication factor (F) and was confirmed experimentally for the isotope dilution analysis. The mass discrimination effect was corrected for by using a standard Se solution for the measurement of Se isotope ratios in the spiked sample. However, the sensitivity for the detection of Se was not so good and the precision of the determination was not improved (2-3%) by N 2 MIP-IDMS with use of the conventional nebulizer. Therefore, a hydride generation system was connected to N 2 MIP-IDMS as a sample introduction system (HG-N 2 MIP-IDMS) in order to establish a more sensitive detection and a more precise determination of Se. A detection limit (3σ) of 10 pg mL -1 could be achieved, and the RSD was less than 1% at the concentration level of 5.0-10.0 ng mL -1 by HG-N 2 MIP-IDMS. The analytical results were found to be in a good agreement with those obtained by the standard addition method using conventional Ar ICPMS. It is well-known that Se is an essential element for all mammals. Se deficiency leads to deficiency syndromes, for example, Keshan disease, which is known for cardiac insufficiency that occurred in children and pregnant women in China. Problems also occur if the concentration of Se is too high; for example, gastroenteric disorders, dermatitis, and neurotic disorders are caused by excessive intake of Se. Moreover, it is well-known that the range of permissive intake amounts of Se is very narrow for human beings. Therefore, it is restricted as a toxic element in environmental standards. There are several sources of environmental Se pollution: the processes of Se refinement and the production processes of Se-containing products. For these reasons, the accurate and precise determination of trace levels of Se in environmental and biological samples is required, and studies of Se determination have been reported by several groups. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Because Ar ICPMS can measure multiple elements at a concentration range from ng mL -1 to fg mL -1 , it has widespread use in the determination of trace elements in various samples. 12-25 However

Iridociliary epithelial tumor in a cat

A 15-year-old female spayed domestic short-hair cat was referred for a nonpigmented mass within the pupil of the left eye. In the ophthalmic examination, the non-pigmented mass appeared behind the iris. Visual function was normal, and there were no significant clinical findings except the ciliary body mass. Seven days after presentation, the mass was removed with sclerotomy and iridocyclectomy. The mass was determined to be an iridociliary epithelial tumor upon histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Thirty-eight days after tumor removal, visual function was maintained, and the papillary light reflex remained normal.A 15-year-old female spayed domestic short-hair cat was referred for a non-pigmented mass within the pupil of the left eye. In the ophthalmic examination, the non-pigmented mass appeared behind the iris. Visual function was normal, and there were no significant clinical findings except the ciliary body mass. Seven days after presentation, the mass was removed with sclerotomy and iridocyclectomy. The mass was determined to be an iridociliary epithelial tumor upon histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Thirty-eight days after tumor removal, visual function was maintained, and the papillary light reflex remained normal

Continuous glucose monitoring in an end-stage renal disease patient with diabetes receiving hemodialysis.

Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and contributes to heightened morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Given that ESRD patients are susceptible to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia via multiple pathways, adequate glycemic monitoring and control is a cornerstone in diabetic kidney disease management. In ESRD, existing glycemic metrics such as glycated hemoglobin, self-monitored blood glucose, fructosamine, and glycated albumin have limitations in accuracy, convenience, and accessibility. In contrast, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides automated, less invasive glucose measurements and more comprehensive glycemic data versus conventional metrics. Here, we report a 48-year-old male with ESRD due to diabetes receiving thrice-weekly hemodialysis who experienced decreased patient-burden, greater glucose monitoring adherence, improved glycemic parameters, and reduction in hypoglycemia after transitioning to CGM. Through this case, we discuss how CGM is a practical, convenient patient-centered tool that may improve metabolic outcomes and quality of life in ESRD patients with diabetes