Feeding value of red clover-grass, Persian clover and common vetch for pigs

Red clover-grass, Persian clover, and common fetch that are generally grown for green manuring in organic cropping cycles, are also valuable forages for the feeding of pigs. They could substitute up to 30% of concentrates (on dry matter basis) in the feeding of growing pigs without negative impact on nitrogen (N) retention. This indicates that protein and amino acids of these legumes are well digested and utilised by the pigs. However, inclusion of roughage to pig diets shifts N utilisation so that N excretion to faeces is increased while N excretion to urine is decreased. Persian clover, in particular, is an intriguing roughage for pigs as its protein contains more amino acids that that of red clover-grass or common vetch. In addition, the digestibility of fibre is good in Persian clover, due to lower cellulose and lignin content in the fibre fraction. In practice, the voluntary feed intake of roughages remains lower, from 5% to 20% of pigs’ dry matter intake depending on the production phase

An LVDC distribution system concept

An LVDC distribution system is a new innovation in a field of electricity distribution. This paper presents the basic principles to use power electronics devices in electricity distribution systems. Recent technological and economical developments in power electronic components enable to apply power electronics in LV network. This development makes an LVDC distribution system concept establishment possible. In this respect the occurring progression connects power electronics and distribution system development strongly together. The LVDC distribution system basic concept concentrates at DC/AC interface focusing on implementation of customer-end inverter. The previously made analyses have shown that presented LVDC distribution system has existing techno-economical potential in electricity distribution networks.reviewe

Emerging reliability requirements for distribution systems in extreme weather conditions

ABSTRAC

UTILISATION OF ENERGY STORAGES TO SECURE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

ABSTRAC

Genetic polymorphism related to monocyte-macrophage function is associated with graft-versus-host disease

Despite detailed human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching and modern immunosuppressive therapy, severe graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains a major hurdle for successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). As the genetic diversity in GvHD complicates the systematic discovery of associated variants across populations, we studied 122 GvHD-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 492 HLA-matched sibling HSCT donor-recipient pairs from Finland and Spain. The association between these candidate SNPs and grade III-IV acute GvHD and extensive chronic GvHD was assessed. The functional effects of the variants were determined using expression and cytokine quantitative trait loci (QTL) database analyses. Clear heterogeneity was observed in the associated markers between the two populations. Interestingly, the majority of markers, such as those annotated to IL1, IL23R, TLR9, TNF, and NOD2 genes, are related to the immunological response by monocytes-macrophages to microbes, a step that precedes GvHD as a result of intestinal lesions. Furthermore, cytokine QTL analysis showed that the GvHD-associated markers regulate IL1 beta, IFN gamma, and IL6 responses. These results support a crucial role for the anti-microbial response in GvHD risk. Furthermore, despite apparent heterogeneity in the genetic markers associated with GvHD, it was possible to identify a biological pathway shared by most markers in both populations.Peer reviewe

Hidden genomic MHC disparity between HLA-matched sibling pairs in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Matching classical HLA alleles between donor and recipient is an important factor in avoiding adverse immunological effects in HSCT. Siblings with no differences in HLA alleles, either due to identical-by-state or identical-by-descent status, are considered to be optimal donors. We carried out a retrospective genomic sequence and SNP analysis of 336 fully HLA-A, -B, -DRB1 matched and 14 partially HLA-matched sibling HSCT pairs to determine the level of undetected mismatching within the MHC segment as well as to map their recombination sites. The genomic sequence of 34 genes locating in the MHC region revealed allelic mismatching at 1 to 8 additional genes in partially HLA-matched pairs. Also, fully matched pairs were found to have mismatching either at HLA-DPB1 or at non-HLA region within the MHC segment. Altogether, 3.9% of fully HLA-matched HSCT pairs had large genomic mismatching in the MHC segment. Recombination sites mapped to certain restricted locations. The number of mismatched nucleotides correlated with the risk of GvHD supporting the central role of full HLA matching in HSCT. High-density genome analysis revealed that fully HLA-matched siblings may not have identical MHC segments and even single allelic mismatching at any classical HLA gene often implies larger genomic differences along MHC.Peer reviewe

Real-world efficacy of bezlotoxumab for prevention of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: a retrospective study of 46 patients in five university hospitals in Finland

Reports on real-world experience on efficacy of bezlotoxumab (BEZ) has been lacking thus far. We retrospectively studied the efficacy and safety of BEZ in preventing the recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in five university hospitals in Finland. Seventy-three percent of our 46 patients remained free of recurrence in the following 3 months and the performance remained as 71% effective also among immunocompromised patients. In severe CDI, BEZ prevented recurrence in 63% of cases. From our study patients, 78% had three or more known risk factors for recurrence of CDI. Eight of our patients were waiting for fecal microbiota transplantation but after stopping the antibiotics that were continued to prevent recurrence of CDI and after receiving BEZ, all remained free of recurrence and did not need the procedure. Success with BEZ as an adjunctive treatment in preventing recurrence of CDI in high-risk patients may be rated as high. Among a subgroup of our patients, those already evaluated to be in need of fecal microbiota transplantation, BEZ seems to be an alternative option.</p

Real-world efficacy of bezlotoxumab for prevention of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection : a retrospective study of 46 patients in five university hospitals in Finland

Reports on real-world experience on efficacy of bezlotoxumab (BEZ) has been lacking thus far. We retrospectively studied the efficacy and safety of BEZ in preventing the recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in five university hospitals in Finland. Seventy-three percent of our 46 patients remained free of recurrence in the following 3 months and the performance remained as 71% effective also among immunocompromised patients. In severe CDI, BEZ prevented recurrence in 63% of cases. From our study patients, 78% had three or more known risk factors for recurrence of CDI. Eight of our patients were waiting for fecal microbiota transplantation but after stopping the antibiotics that were continued to prevent recurrence of CDI and after receiving BEZ, all remained free of recurrence and did not need the procedure. Success with BEZ as an adjunctive treatment in preventing recurrence of CDI in high-risk patients may be rated as high. Among a subgroup of our patients, those already evaluated to be in need of fecal microbiota transplantation, BEZ seems to be an alternative option.Peer reviewe

Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association and Gene Expression Studies Implicates Donor T Cell Function and Cytokine Pathways in Acute GvHD

Graft-vs.-host disease (GvHD) is a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that causes mortality and severe morbidity. Genetic disparities in human leukocyte antigens between the recipient and donor are known contributors to the risk of the disease. However, the overall impact of genetic component is complex, and consistent findings across different populations and studies remain sparse. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the genes responsible for GvHD, we combined genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from two distinct populations with previously published gene expression studies on GvHD in a single gene-level meta-analysis. We hypothesized that genes driving GvHD should be associated in both data modalities and therefore could be detected more readily through their combined effects in the integrated analysis rather than in separate analyses. The meta-analysis yielded a total of 51 acute GvHD-associated genes (false detection rate [FDR]Peer reviewe

Selvitys opettajankoulutuksen rakenteesta yliopistoissa

Selvitys liittyy hallitusohjelman Osaamisen ja koulutuksen alueen peruskoulun uudistamisen kärkihankkeen, Uusi peruskoulu -ohjelman ja Opettajankoulutusfoorumin laatiman Opettajankoulutuksen kehittämisohjelman tavoitteiden toimeenpanoon. Tarkastelu kohdistuu opettajakoulutuksen yksikkörakenteeseen, opettajankoulutusta antavan henkilöstön tehtäviin, tieteelliseen profiiliin ja julkaisutoimintaan, tutkintoihin ja muihin opettajankelpoisuuden antaneisiin suorituksiin sekä yliopistojen sisäiseen yhteistyöhön opettajankoulutuksessa. Yliopistoissa ei ole yhtenäistä tapaa määritellä, mitkä opettajien tehtävät kuuluvat opettajankoulutukseen. Myös opettajankoulutusta koskeva tilastotieto on puutteellista. Tällä hetkellä opettajankelpoisuuden antavista maisterintutkinnoista lähes puolet on aineenopettajantutkintoja. Raportissa nostetaan esille rakenteellisia haasteita, joiden ratkaiseminen vaatisi yliopistotason kokonaistarkastelua. Pitäisi tunnistaa nykyistä paremmin opettajankoulutuksen tehtävissä toimivat henkilöt, selkiyttää opiskelijavalintaa sekä pedagogisten opintojen ja opetettavien aineiden sisältöjä. Myös opettajankoulutusta antavien yksiköiden välistä yhteistyötä voisi tiivistää. Valtakunnallisesti opettajankoulutuksen vetovoimaisuuden ylläpitäminen ansaitsee huomiota. Päivitetty 16.5.2019