EFFECT OF HUMIC ACID, COMPOST AND BIOFERTILIZATION ON FRUITING OF SUPERIOR SEEDLESS GRAPEVINES

Superior grapevines fertilized with compost, biofertilizers namely (Bacillus megatherium, Bacillus curculanse and Azotoacter Chroococcum), humic acid and two slow release fertilizers namely ( rock phosphate and feldspar ) as a partial replacement of mineral N fertilizers during 2013 and 2014 seasons. Using all substitutes of mineral N fertilizers was favourable than using mineral N alone in enhancing all growth characters, total chlorophylls, nutrients, yield and berries characteristics. Both nitrite and nitrate in the juice were greatly declined in all N management treatments that included the application of all N sources. The best results with regards to yield and berries characteristics of Superior seedless grapevines were recorded on  vines that received 60g N, 60g P and 120g K/ vine/ year ( mineral sources) plus compost II ( 40% cattle manure + 60% rice straw ) at 16 kg./ vine+ the three biofertilizers namely Bacillus megatheium, Bacillus circulanse and Azotobacter chroococcum  + humic acid each at 10ml./ vine/ year

Synthetic rubber surface as an alternative to concrete to improve welfare and performance of finishing beef cattle reared on fully slatted flooring

open8noopenBrscic, M.; Ricci, R.; Prevedello, P.; Lonardi, C.; De Nardi, R.; Contiero, B.; Gottardo, F.; Cozzi, G.Brscic, Marta; Ricci, Rebecca; Prevedello, P.; Lonardi, Chiara; DE NARDI, Roberta; Contiero, Barbara; Gottardo, Flaviana; Cozzi, Giuli

The value of ischemia-modified albumin compared with d-dimer in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Study objective</p> <p>The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether IMA levels are helpful in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). The secondary aim was to determine whether IMA was more effective alone or in combination with clinical probability scores in the diagnosis of PE. Thirdly, the sensitivity and specificity of IMA is compared with D-dimer both with and without clinical probability scores in patients with suspected PE.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected PE were prospectively recruited, and healthy volunteers were also enrolled as controls. D-dimer and IMA levels were measured for the entire study group. Wells and Geneva scores were calculated and s-CTPA was performed on all suspected PE patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The study population consisted of 130 patients with suspected PE and 59 healthy controls. Mean IMA levels were 0.362 ± 0.11 ABSU for Group A, the PE group (n = 75); 0.265 ± 0.07 ABSU for Group B, the non-PE group (n = 55); and 0.175 ± 0.05 ABSU for Group C, the healthy control group (p < 0.0001). At a cut-off point of 0.25 ABSU, IMA was 93% sensitive and 75% specific in the diagnosis of PE. PPV was 79.4% and NPV was 78.6%. Mean D-dimer levels were 12.48 ± 10.88 μg/ml for Group A; 5.36 ± 7.80 μg/ml for Group B and 0.36 ± 0.16 μg/ml for Group C (p < 0.0001). The D-dimer cut-off point was 0.81 μg/ml with a sensitivity of 98.9% and a specificity of 62.7%, PPV of 69.4% and NPV of 83.3%. The use of IMA in combination with Wells and Geneva clinical probability scores was determined to have a positive impact on these scores' sensitivity and negative predictive values.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>IMA is a good alternative to D-dimer in PE diagnosis in terms of both cost and efficiency. Used in combination with clinical probability scores, it has a similar positive effect on NPV and sensitivity to that of D-dimer. The PPV of IMA is better than D-dimer, but it is still unable to confirm a diagnosis of PE without additional investigation.</p

A distinct bacterial dysbiosis associated skin inflammation in ovine footrot

Ovine footrot is a highly prevalent bacterial disease caused by Dichelobacter nodosus and characterised by the separation of the hoof horn from the underlying skin. The role of innate immune molecules and other bacterial communities in the development of footrot lesions remains unclear. This study shows a significant association between the high expression of IL1β and high D. nodosus load in footrot samples. Investigation of the microbial population identified distinct bacterial populations in the different disease stages and also depending on the level of inflammation. Treponema (34%), Mycoplasma (29%) and Porphyromonas (15%) were the most abundant genera associated with high levels of inflammation in footrot. In contrast, Acinetobacter (25%), Corynebacteria (17%) and Flavobacterium (17%) were the most abundant genera associated with high levels of inflammation in healthy feet. This demonstrates for the first time there is a distinct microbial community associated with footrot and high cytokine expression

Platelet-Rich Plasma Promotes the Proliferation of Human Muscle Derived Progenitor Cells and Maintains Their Stemness

Human muscle-derived progenitor cells (hMDPCs) offer great promise for muscle cell-based regenerative medicine; however, prolonged ex-vivo expansion using animal sera is necessary to acquire sufficient cells for transplantation. Due to the risks associated with the use of animal sera, the development of a strategy for the ex vivo expansion of hMDPCs is required. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the ex-vivo expansion of hMDPCs. Pre-plated MDPCs, myoendothelial cells, and pericytes are three populations of hMDPCs that we isolated by the modified pre-plate technique and Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), respectively. Pooled allogeneic human PRP was obtained from a local blood bank, and the effect that thrombin-activated PRP-releasate supplemented media had on the ex-vivo expansion of the hMDPCs was tested against FBS supplemented media, both in vitro and in vivo. PRP significantly enhanced short and long-term cell proliferation, with or without FBS supplementation. Antibody-neutralization of PDGF significantly blocked the mitogenic/proliferative effects that PRP had on the hMDPCs. A more stable and sustained expression of markers associated with stemness, and a decreased expression of lineage specific markers was observed in the PRP-expanded cells when compared with the FBS-expanded cells. The in vitro osteogenic, chondrogenic, and myogenic differentiation capacities of the hMDPCs were not altered when expanded in media supplemented with PRP. All populations of hMDPCs that were expanded in PRP supplemented media retained their ability to regenerate myofibers in vivo. Our data demonstrated that PRP promoted the proliferation and maintained the multi-differentiation capacities of the hMDPCs during ex-vivo expansion by maintaining the cells in an undifferentiated state. Moreover, PDGF appears to be a key contributing factor to the beneficial effect that PRP has on the proliferation of hMDPCs. © 2013 Li et al

A Massive Transfusion Protocol to Decrease Blood Component Use and Costs

Hypothesis A massive transfusion protocol (MTP) decreases the use of blood components, as well as turnaround times, costs, and mortality. Design Retrospective before-and-after cohort study. Setting Academic level I urban trauma center. Patients and Methods Blood component use was compared in 132 patients during a 2-year period following the implementation of an MTP; 46 patients who were treated the previous year served as historical control subjects. Intervention Introduction of an MTP that included recombinant factor VIIa for patients with exsanguinating hemorrhage. Main Outcome Measures The amount of each blood component transfused, turnaround times, blood bank and hospital charges, and mortality rates. Results After introduction of the MTP, there was a significant decrease in packed red blood cells, plasma, and platelet use. The turnaround time for the first shipment was less than 10 minutes, and the time between the first and second shipments was reduced from 42 to 18 minutes, compared with historical controls. The decreased use of blood products represented a savings of $2270 per patient or an annual savings of$200 000, despite increased costs for recombinant factor VIIa. There was no difference in mortality in either group; it remained around 50%. Thromboembolic complications did not increase, despite a significant increase in the use of recombinant factor VIIa. Conclusions The MTP resulted in a reduction in the use of blood components with improved turnaround times and significant savings. Mortality was unaffected. The use of recombinant factor VIIa did not increase thromboembolic complications in these patients. Massive transfusion is loosely defined as the transfusion of more than 10 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in a 24-hour period.1,2 Although there have been reports of improved survival after massive transfusion during the last decade, it is unclear what factors are responsible.3 There is increasing evidence that the early coagulopathy seen in trauma patients should be treated aggressively during the initial resuscitation, particularly in those patients requiring massive transfusion.4,5 It has been suggested that a protocol designed to give red blood cells and coagulation factors (ie, plasma and platelets) in prespecified ratios can improve outcomes.6,7 Both military and civilian data suggest that a ratio of 1:1 to 1:2 of fresh frozen plasma to PRBCs is needed to adequately treat coagulopathy in patients undergoing massive transfusions.6,8,9 We developed and instituted a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) at Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, Texas, which was mainly designed for trauma patients with severe, active hemorrhage. The protocol includes giving prespecified amounts of PRBCs, thawed plasma (defined in the “Methods” section), cryoprecipitate, and platelets, as well as the recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). The rationale of this protocol was to improve turnaround time, ie, the time between when the order for the products was received in the blood bank and when the products left the blood bank, as well as to provide component therapy in a more clearly defined proportion to prevent and treat coagulopathy and to reduce the waste that occurred with random product ordering. We sought to examine our experience and outcomes among patients treated using this protocol. We hypothesized that an MTP would improve turnaround times, reduce the use of blood products and associated charges, and possibly decrease mortality

A Massive Transfusion Protocol to Decrease Blood Component Use and Costs

Hypothesis A massive transfusion protocol (MTP) decreases the use of blood components, as well as turnaround times, costs, and mortality. Design Retrospective before-and-after cohort study. Setting Academic level I urban trauma center. Patients and Methods Blood component use was compared in 132 patients during a 2-year period following the implementation of an MTP; 46 patients who were treated the previous year served as historical control subjects. Intervention Introduction of an MTP that included recombinant factor VIIa for patients with exsanguinating hemorrhage. Main Outcome Measures The amount of each blood component transfused, turnaround times, blood bank and hospital charges, and mortality rates. Results After introduction of the MTP, there was a significant decrease in packed red blood cells, plasma, and platelet use. The turnaround time for the first shipment was less than 10 minutes, and the time between the first and second shipments was reduced from 42 to 18 minutes, compared with historical controls. The decreased use of blood products represented a savings of $2270 per patient or an annual savings of$200 000, despite increased costs for recombinant factor VIIa. There was no difference in mortality in either group; it remained around 50%. Thromboembolic complications did not increase, despite a significant increase in the use of recombinant factor VIIa. Conclusions The MTP resulted in a reduction in the use of blood components with improved turnaround times and significant savings. Mortality was unaffected. The use of recombinant factor VIIa did not increase thromboembolic complications in these patients. Massive transfusion is loosely defined as the transfusion of more than 10 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in a 24-hour period.1,2 Although there have been reports of improved survival after massive transfusion during the last decade, it is unclear what factors are responsible.3 There is increasing evidence that the early coagulopathy seen in trauma patients should be treated aggressively during the initial resuscitation, particularly in those patients requiring massive transfusion.4,5 It has been suggested that a protocol designed to give red blood cells and coagulation factors (ie, plasma and platelets) in prespecified ratios can improve outcomes.6,7 Both military and civilian data suggest that a ratio of 1:1 to 1:2 of fresh frozen plasma to PRBCs is needed to adequately treat coagulopathy in patients undergoing massive transfusions.6,8,9 We developed and instituted a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) at Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, Texas, which was mainly designed for trauma patients with severe, active hemorrhage. The protocol includes giving prespecified amounts of PRBCs, thawed plasma (defined in the “Methods” section), cryoprecipitate, and platelets, as well as the recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). The rationale of this protocol was to improve turnaround time, ie, the time between when the order for the products was received in the blood bank and when the products left the blood bank, as well as to provide component therapy in a more clearly defined proportion to prevent and treat coagulopathy and to reduce the waste that occurred with random product ordering. We sought to examine our experience and outcomes among patients treated using this protocol. We hypothesized that an MTP would improve turnaround times, reduce the use of blood products and associated charges, and possibly decrease mortality