Hierarchically Patterned Self-Cleaning Polymer Composites for Daytime Radiative Cooling.

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) has the potential to reduce energy demand and mitigate global warming. However, surface contamination from dust and bacterial buildup limits practical PDRC applications. Here, we develop a hierarchically patterned nanoporous composite (HPNC) using a facile template-molding fabrication method to integrate PDRC materials with self-cleaning and antibacterial functions. The HPNC design decouples multifunctional control into different characteristic length scales that can be optimized simultaneously. The nanoporous polymer matrix embedded with tunable fillers enables 7.8 and 4.4 °C temperature reduction for outdoor personal and building cooling, respectively, under intense solar irradiance. Meanwhile, a microscale pillar array pattern integrated into the HPNC enables superhydrophobicity with self-cleaning and antisoiling functions to mitigate surface contamination. Moreover, the surface coating of photocatalytic agents can generate photoinduced antibacterial effects. The scalable fabrication and multifunctional capabilities of our HPNC design offer a promising solution for practical PDRC applications with minimal maintenance needs.

Western blotting (immunoblotting): history, theory, uses, protocol and problems.

Western blotting (immunoblotting) is a powerful and commonly used technique that is capable of detecting or semiquantifying an individual protein from complex mixtures of proteins extracted from cells or tissues. The history surrounding the origin of western blotting, the theory behind the western blotting technique, a comprehensive protocol and the uses of western blotting are presented. Lesser known and significant problems in the western blotting field and troubleshooting of common problems are highlighted and discussed. This work is a comprehensive primer and guide for new western blotting researchers and those interested in a better understanding of the technique or getting better results.

Differential effects of thirst and satiety on conditioned taste aversion acquisition, retrieval, and memory extinction.

Thirst is an essential motivational component that could modulate the strength of conditioning; pioneer studies show that the rats' sexual dimorphism observed in the rate of aversive memory extinction of conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is affected by the state of fluid deprivation. On the other hand, previous evidence suggests that fluid intake volume and temporal context before and during conditioning may influence CTA. Furthermore, although CTA has been demonstrated using various types of stimuli, neural processing and homeostatic regulation of water and nutritional balance may differ depending on the stimulus used and the conditioning stages. Therefore, this study explored the effects of state motivated by thirst and satiation, using saccharin, as a non-caloric sweet stimulus, during CTA and the aversive memory extinction process under similar contextual and temporal conditions. First, we implemented an ad libitum water protocol in male and female adult rats to evaluate saccharin aversive memory formation; we compared this with a traditional CTA with liquid deprivation in the same context and temporal consumption conditions. Furthermore, we evaluated whether liquid satiety affects the acquisition or the aversive memory retrieval differentially. Our results show that the ad libitum liquid regimen allows reliable quantifications of basal water consumption, monitored every hour for more than five days. We observed a reliable CTA, where the magnitude of aversive memory and its extinction is significantly higher in both male and female rats; the strong CTA observed is substantially due to the satiety state during taste aversion memory retrieval. Our data show that although liquid deprivation does not affect CTA acquisition, it does induce weakness in the magnitude of aversive retrieval expression and fast aversive memory extinction, similarly in male and females. Overall, the results indicate that the need to satiate the demand for liquids during retrieval prevails over the conditioned aversion learned, suggesting, that thirst is a source of temporary variables dominating the aversive responses during CTA retrieval.

Rheumatologic Perspective on Persistent Right-Hand Tenosynovitis Secondary to Mycobacterium marinum Infection.

Background: Rheumatologic conditions share many symptoms with infectious processes. The immunosuppressive therapies used in rheumatology unfavorably impact any underlying infection. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are difficult to grow in culture media and may affect the musculoskeletal system, developing manifestations that may imitate rheumatic inflammatory arthritis. For this reason, surgical debridement and biopsy culture are essential in cases where suspicion remains high. Case Presentation: We present the case of a patient with progressively worsening right-hand tenosynovitis who was evaluated for rheumatic conditions given initial negative synovial tissue biopsy cultures. He was finally diagnosed with Mycobacterium marinum infectious tenosynovitis after repeated surgical debridement. Conclusions: Our case reinforces the vital role of history gathering in establishing diagnoses and underscores the value of clinical suspicion in patients unresponsive to standard treatment for inflammatory arthritis. Tissue biopsy with culture for acid-fast bacilli is crucial for accurate diagnosis in NTM infection, which may imitate rheumatic inflammatory arthritis. Physicians should be keenly aware of this fastidious, indolent organism in the setting of persistent localized tenosynovitis.

Consensus for the use of flash glucose monitoring in the Colombian adult population with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus / Consenso para el uso de monitoreo de glucosa flash en la población adulta colombiana con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y 2

Abstract Introduction: in Colombia, the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of patients with type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) diabetes do not mention the use of flash glucose monitoring, as this system was not available. The objective of this study was to establish a set of recommendations for the use of intermittent flash monitoring in Colombia. Methods: the group of experts consisted of eight Colombian physicians from different cities within Colombia, with expertise in the management of patients with DM1 and DM2; a certified diabetes nurse educator; a patient with DM1; and a methodological expert. Using the Zoom Enterprise video conferencing application (Zoom Video Communications, San Jose, California), the group generated questions through the Metaplan method, then carried out a systematic literature search and evidence review. The recommendations were made according to the degree of evidence and strength of the recommendation, following the GRADE method. Results: clinical recommendations were made for: a) patients with DM1 and hypoglycemia; b) patients with DM1 and poor metabolic control; c) patients with insulin-treated DM2; d) pregestational diabetes; e) quality of life; and f) inpatient use. Conclusions: this consensus's clinical recommendations guide clinical decision making with regard to the use of intermittent flash monitoring in patients with diabetes in various clinical settings. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2239).

Resumen Introducción: en Colombia las Guías de Práctica Clínica para el manejo del paciente con diabetes tipo 1 (DM1) y tipo 2 (DM2) no mencionan el uso del monitoreo de glucosa flash dado que dicho sistema no estaba disponible. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer un grupo de recomendaciones sobre el uso del monitoreo intermitente flash en Colombia. Métodos: el grupo de expertos estuvo conformado por ocho médicos colombianos expertos en el manejo de pacientes con DM1 y DM2 de diversas ciudades de Colombia, una enfermera licenciada educadora en diabetes, una paciente con diagnóstico de DM1 y un experto metodológico. A través de Zoom Enterprise versión de la aplicación de videoconferencia Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, San Jose, California) el grupo generó las preguntas con metodología Metaplan. Posteriormente, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura y análisis de la evidencia. Las recomendaciones se generaron mediante grupo nominal según el grado de evidencia y la formaleza de la recomendación siguiendo la metodología GRADE. Resultados: se generaron recomendaciones clínicas enfocadas a: a) paciente con diagnóstico de DM1 e hipoglucemia; b) paciente con diagnóstico de DM1 y mal control metabólico, c) paciente con diagnóstico de DM tipo 2 tratado con insulina, d) diabetes pregestacional, e) calidad de vida y f) uso intrahospitalario. Conclusiones: las recomendaciones clínicas del presente consenso orientan la toma de decisiones clínicas con respecto al uso de monitoreo intermitente flash en el paciente con diagnóstico de diabetes en diferentes escenarios clínicos. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2239).

Taste association capabilities differ in high- and low-yawning rats versus outbred Sprague-Dawley rats after prolonged sugar consumption.

Yawning is a stereotypical behavior pattern commonly associated with other behaviors such as grooming, sleepiness, and arousal. Several differences in behavioral and neurochemical characteristics have been described in high-yawning (HY) and low-yawning (LY) sublines from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats that support they had changes in the neural mechanism between sublines. Differences in behavior and neurochemistry observed in yawning sublines could also overlap in processes needed during taste learning, particularly during conditioned taste aversion (CTA) and its latent inhibition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze taste memory differences, after familiarization to novel or highly sweet stimuli, between yawning sublines and compare them with outbred SD rats. First, we evaluated changes in appetitive response during long-term sugar consumption for 14 days. Then, we evaluated the latent inhibition of CTA strength induced by this long pre-exposure, and we also measured aversive memory extinction rate. The results showed that SD rats and the two sublines developed similar CTA for novel sugar and significantly stronger appetitive memory after long-term sugar exposure. However, after 14 days of sugar exposure, HY and LY sublines were unable to develop latent inhibition of CTA after two acquisition trials and had a slower aversive memory extinction rate than outbreed rats. Thus, the inability of the HY and LY sublines to develop latent inhibition of CTA after long-term sugar exposure could be related to the time/context processes involved in long-term appetitive re-learning, and in the strong inbreeding that characterizes the behavioral traits of these sublines, suggesting that inbreeding affects associative learning, particularly after long-term exposure to sweet stimuli which reflects high familiarization.

The frugivory network properties of a simplified ecosystem: Birds and plants in a Neotropical periurban park.

Frugivory networks exhibit a set of properties characterized by a number of network theory-derived metrics. Their structures often form deterministic patterns that can be explained by the functional roles of interacting species. Although we know lots about how these networks are organized when ecosystems are in a complete, functional condition, we know much less about how incomplete and simplified networks (such as those found in urban and periurban parks) are organized, which features are maintained, which ones are not, and why. In this paper, we examine the properties of a network between frugivorous birds and plants in a small Neotropical periurban park. We found a frugivory network composed of 29 species of birds and 23 of plants. The main roles in this network are played by four species of generalist birds (three resident, one migratory: Myiozetetes similis, Turdus grayi, Chlorospingus flavopectus, and Dumetella carolinensis) and three species of plants (one exotic, two early successional: Phoenix canariensis, Phoradendron sp., and Witheringia stramoniifolia). When compared to reference data from other locations in the Neotropics, species richness is low, one important network-level metric is maintained (modularity) whereas another one is not (nestedness). Nestedness, a metric associated with network specialists, is a feature this network lacks. Species-level metrics such as degree, species strength, and module roles, are not maintained. Our work supports modularity as the most pervasive network-level metric of altered habitats. From a successional point of view, our results suggest that properties revealed by species-level indices may be developed at a later time, lagging the acquisition of structural elements.

Intra-abdominal Pressure Screening of Horses With Colic.

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in horses with colic by associating the underlying etiologies with directly acquired IAP values and survival rate. This is a 2-year cohort study (2014-2016). Horses with clinical signs of colic were admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital during the period 2014-2016. Twenty-eight horses, of different breeds, males (stallions and geldings) and females, aged between 2 and 20 years, and weighing from 300 to 450 kg presenting with clinical signs of colic, were included in the study. IAP was directly acquired at the right flank (standing under sedation) and at the linea alba (supine position under general anesthesia). Twenty IAP measurements were recorded at end expiration for each recording site. IAP values >0.0 mmHg, obtained at the upper right flank in the standing position, were associated with surgical treatment (P < .05). In these cases, signs of colic were associated with strangulated obstructions of the large colon, and a greater likelihood of death as a result of colic (P < .001). Intra-abdominal pressure varied considerably in horses with colic, even for the same underlying etiologies. Horses with colic related to strangulating obstructions of the large intestine had IAP >.0 mmHg, at the upper right flank. These horses were also considerably more likely to require surgical intervention (P < .05) and death/euthanasia was more likely in this group of horses (P < .001).

Epidemiología del desprendimiento de la retina regmatógeno / Epidemiology of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

RESUMEN Objetivos: Determinar los factores epidemiológicos, sistémicos y oculares del desprendimiento de la retina regmatógeno. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal de los casos nuevos con desprendimiento de la retina regmatogéno que requirieron cirugía y se presentaron de forma consecutiva en la Consulta de Vítreo-Retina del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer", desde mayo del año 2016 hasta mayo de 2017. Se estudiaron las variables demográficas y los antecedentes patológicos sistémicos y oculares. Los resultados se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas y relativas (variables cualitativas) y se calculó la media y la desviación estándar en las cuantitativas. Resultados: En el período estudiado se atendieron 237 casos nuevos de desprendimiento de la retina regmatogéno que requirieron cirugía. La edad media de estos fue de 57,79 años (desviación estándar 11,98). Prevaleció el sexo masculino (62 por ciento). La mayor cantidad de casos provenía de las provincias occidentales, fundamentalmente de La Habana (43,9 por ciento) y los primeros síntomas se presentaron en los meses primaverales (48,1 por ciento). La hipertensión arterial se reportó en el 54,4 por ciento. Entre los antecedentes oculares predominó la cirugía de catarata (65,8 por ciento), seguida de la degeneración reticular en la retina periférica (36,3 por ciento). Conclusiones: El desprendimiento de la retina regmatógeno se presenta en edades avanzadas y la cirugía de catarata es un antecedente frecuente en estos casos(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives: Determine the epidemiological, systemic and ocular factors of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted of the new cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment requiring surgery and presenting consecutively at the Vitreous-Retina Service of Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from May 2016 to May 2017. Analysis was performed of demographic variables and systemic and ocular pathological antecedents. Results were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies (qualitative variables), whereas quantitative variables underwent mean and standard deviation estimation. Results: During the study period, 237 new cases were seen of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment requiring surgery. Mean age was 57.79 years (standard deviation 11.98). The male sex prevailed (62 percent). Most cases were from the western provinces, mainly Havana (43.9 percent), and the first symptoms appeared in the spring months (48.1 percent). Hypertension was reported in 54.4 percent of the cases. The prevailing ocular antecedents included cataract surgery (65.8 percent), followed by lattice degeneration in the peripheral retina (36.3 percent). Conclusions: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment presents in advanced ages. Cataract surgery is a common antecedent in these cases(AU)

Effects of caloric or non-caloric sweetener long-term consumption on taste preferences and new aversive learning.

Food palatability and caloric content are crucial factors in guiding diet choice and amount consumed; as a result, sweet caloric tastes are associated with a positive hedonic value. Recent evidence in rodents indicates that consumption of artificial (non-caloric) sweeteners, in which sweet taste is dissociated from normal caloric consequences, could induce changes in energy and body weight regulation, suggesting that sweeteners not only modify intake and appetitive behavior, but could also change taste-learning processes. Particularly, there are different properties in some artificial sweeteners, like saccharin, that might differ from sugar in the reward responses that, after long-term consumption, could also be associated with the inability to learn new negative consequences related to the same taste. Thus, the main goal of this study was to determine, in adult rats, the effects of long-term consumption (14 days) of sugar or saccharin, on taste preference, on new aversive learning, i.e. latent inhibition (LI) of conditioned taste aversion (CTA), and appetitive taste re-learning after aversive taste associations. The results showed that 14 days' exposure to sugar, but not to saccharin, induced a significant increment in the LI of CTA and that taste preference is rapidly recovered during the next 3 days (e.g. CTA extinctions), indicating that long-term sugar consumption significantly accelerates aversive memory extinction during appetitive re-learning of a specific sweet taste; furthermore, high familiarization to sugar, but not to saccharin, promotes appetitive learning for the same taste. Overall, the results indicate that long-term consumption of sugar, but not saccharin, produces changes in appetitive re-learning and suggests that long-term sugar consumption could trigger escalating consumption due to the inability to learn new negative consequences associated with the same taste.

Intrabladder pressure as predictor of intra-abdominal pressure in horses.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects of postural changes and bladder distention on intrabladder pressure whilst estimating intra-abdominal pressure in horses. DESIGN: Two-year cohort study. Patients admitted for elective surgical procedures unrelated to gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. SETTING: School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. ANIMALS: 20 adult horses, 11 males (stallions and geldings) and 9 females; between 3.5 and 12 years, weighing 350 to 500 kg. INTERVENTIONS: Intra-abdominal pressure was directly-recorded through abdominocentesis at the ventral midline with a fluid-filled system. Intrabladder pressure was obtained from a bladder catheter with the fluid-filled system zeroed at the level of the tuber ischia with patients in dorsal recumbency or pubic symphysis if in lateral recumbency. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Body position directly influenced intra-abdominal pressure. In dorsal recumbency, intra-abdominal pressure differed (p < 0.05) from intrabladder pressure at end-inspiration and end-expiration regardless of whether the bladder was empty or distended. There was no correlation nor association between the two pressures in this body position. In lateral recumbency a difference (p <0.05) between intra-abdominal pressure and intrabladder pressure was recorded at end-inspiration with the bladder distended with 25 ml, and at end-expiration for distension volumes of 25 ml and 50 ml. There was a strong correlation between both pressures for left and right lateral recumbency, regardless of the distension volume. Ordinary least product (OLP) regression analysis showed no fixed or proportional bias between both pressures for distension volume of 50 ml, at both end-inspiration and end-expiration. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect assessment of equine intra-abdominal pressure cannot be made in dorsal recumbency. For that purpose, patients should be in left lateral recumbency with the bladder distended with 50 ml. Values can be recorded at end-inspiration or end-expiration. RESTRICTION: Occlusion of the catheter tip by the bladder wall when minimally distended.

After Sexual Identity Disclosure: An Ecological Perceptive of LGB Young Adults.

Objectives A plethora of research exists concerning determinants prior or during the sexual identity disclosure process; yet, information is limited concerning internal and external experiences after one discloses his or her sexual identity to their social support system. Through the lenses of the Social Ecological Model, the purpose of this study was to further understand the current lived experiences of persons in post-sexual identity disclosure. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 15 lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Sample size was determined by thematic saturation. A semiotic phenomenological procedure was used for analyzing the data. Results Based on the reported experiences after sexual identity disclosure among participants, 7 themes were identified. Themes entailed stereotypical perceptions of sexual identity, improvement in mental health, relationship estrangement, development of new relationships, social support, non-acceptance of sexual orientation, and minority stress. Conclusions Through various theories and models, this study provide recommendations for stakeholders invested in the health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.

Efficacy of Rituximab in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient Presenting with Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although infrequent, its mortality is very high. While there are no established therapeutic guidelines, DAH has been traditionally managed with high-dose intravenous (IV) corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange. The efficacy of alternative therapies such as rituximab has been described only in a few cases. Herein, we report a 25-year-old Hispanic man who presented with acute-onset SLE manifested by polyarthralgia, nephritis, seizures, pancytopenia, severe hypocomplementemia, and elevated anti-dsDNA antibodies. His disease course was complicated by DAH. His condition was refractory to high-dose intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone pulses, IV cyclophosphamide, and plasmapheresis. Given the lack of clinical response, he was started on IV rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for a total of four courses. He rapidly improved after the first two doses. Over the next seven months, he did not present recurrent pulmonary symptoms. Follow-up chest computed tomography did not show residual abnormalities. This case, together with other reports, suggests that rituximab is an effective therapeutic option for DAH in SLE.

The role of dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens during taste-aversive learning and memory extinction after long-term sugar consumption.

The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is a forebrain region that may significantly contribute to the integration of taste and visceral signals during food consumption. Changes in dopamine release in the NAcc have been observed during consumption of a sweet taste and during compulsive consumption of dietary sugars, suggesting that NAcc dopaminergic transmission is strongly correlated with taste familiarity and the hedonic value content. NAcc core and shell nuclei are differentially involved during and after sugar exposure and, particularly, previous evidence suggests that dopamine D2 receptors could be related with the strength of the latent inhibition (LI) of conditioned taste aversion (CTA), which depends on the length of the taste stimulus pre-exposure. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate, after long-term exposure to sugar, the function of dopaminergic D2 receptors in the NAcc core during taste memory retrieval preference test, and during CTA. Adult rats were exposed during 14days to 10% sugar solution as a single liquid ad libitum. NAcc core bilateral injections of D2 dopamine receptor antagonist, haloperidol (1µg/µL), were made before third preference test and CTA acquisition. We found that sugar was similarly preferred after 3 acute presentations or 14days of continued sugar consumption and that haloperidol did not disrupt this appetitive memory retrieval. Nevertheless, D2 receptors antagonism differentially affects aversive memory formation after acute or long-term sugar consumption. These results demonstrate that NAcc dopamine D2 receptors have a differential function during CTA depending on the degree of sugar familiarity.

Right Heart Thrombus in Transit: Unusual Echocardiographic Finding in a patient with Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Eighty year old male patient with heart failure preserved ejection fraction (EF), Obstructive sleep apnea, peripherovascular disease admitted with increasing shortness of breath and found with pulmonary emboli. Baseline 2D-echo-cardiogram performed demonstrated preserved ejection fraction and a right thrombus in transit. Anticoagulation with weight based-low molecular weight heparin was given for six days. Follow-up echo performed demonstrated complete dissolution of right heart thrombi. Since there was complete dis- solution of thrombi seen on right atrium, anticoagulation with Rivaroxaban was given instead.

Right Heart Thrombus in Transit: Unusual Echocardiographic Finding in a patient with Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Eighty year old male patient with heart failure preserved ejection fraction (EF), Obstructive sleep apnea, peripherovascular disease admitted with increasing shortness of breath and found with pulmonary emboli. Baseline 2D-echocardiogram performed demonstrated preserved ejection fraction and a right thrombus in transit. Anticoagulation with weight based-low molecular weight heparin was given for six days. Follow-up echo performed demonstrated complete dissolution of right heart thrombi. Since there was complete dissolution of thrombi seen on right atrium, anticoagulation with Rivaroxaban was given instead.

Anaphylactoid reaction caused by sodium ceftriaxone in two horses experimentally infected by Borrelia burgdorferi.

BACKGROUND: Lyme borreliosis is a disease transmitted by ticks to mammals, especially in horses and humans. Caused by a spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, it can result in lameness, arthritis, carditis, dermatitis and neurological signs. Anaphylactoid reactions are severe responses caused by direct action of substances (drugs, toxins), which can pose risks to life. Still poorly documented in horses, these reactions are caused by the effects of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, kinins and arachidonic acid metabolites. The last two are the most clinically relevant for the species. CASE PRESENTATION: The simultaneous occurrence of anaphylactoid reaction in two horses experimentally infected by Borrelia burgdorferi undergoing intravenous treatment with ceftriaxone sodium is reported. It was administered 4.7 × 10(8) spirochetes intradermal and subcutaneous applications in both horses to evaluate clinical aspects of the Lyme disease, 95 days before the application of sodium ceftriaxone. During the administration, one horse (a gelding) showed immediate and severe anaphylactoid symptoms such as urticaria, dyspnea, tachycardia, and eyelid edema, which were controlled by injecting dexamethasone. After 1 day, it expressed signs of abdominal discomfort, caused by severe bloat, which was treated surgically via celiotomy. Subsequently, this gelding had piroplasmosis and severe anemia, requiring treatment with an antimicrobial and blood transfusion. Second horse (a mare) showed signs of hypotension during the application of the antibiotic, which disappeared only when the application was interrupted. Days after the event, the mare developed moderate large colon bloat, which was treated with medication only. Subsequently the mare was evolved into the prodromal phase of laminitis in one of the forelimbs, which was treated for 10 days with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and rheology modifying drugs and cryotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: From the two cases presented here, it does appear that sodium ceftriaxone can induce anaphylactoid reactions in horses infected by Borrelia burgdorferi, which may evolve into colic syndrome, laminitis and the occurrence of opportunistic infections. However, further evidence should be collected in order to draw definite conclusions.

Effect of daytime-restricted feeding in the daily variations of liver metabolism and blood transport of serotonin in rat.

The biogenic amine serotonin is a signaling molecule in the gastrointestinal tract, platelets, and nervous tissue. In nervous system, serotonin and its metabolites are under the control of the circadian timing system, but it is not known if daily variations of serotonin exist in the liver. To explore this possibility, we tested if the rhythmic pattern of serotonin metabolism was regulated by daytime restricted feeding (DRF) which is a protocol associated to the expression of the food entrained oscillator (FEO). The DRF involved food access for 2 h each day for 3 weeks. Control groups included food ad libitum (AL) as well as acute fasting and refeeding. Serotonin-related metabolites were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography, the anabolic and catabolic enzymes were evaluated by western blot, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry to generate 24-h profiles. The results showed in the AL group, liver serotonin, tryptophan hydroxylase-1 activity, and protein abundance as well as serotonin in plasma and serum were rhythmic and coordinated. The DRF protocol disrupted this coordinated response and damped the rhythmic profile of these parameters. We demonstrated the daily synthesis and the degradation of serotonin as well as its transport in blood. This rhythm could influence the physiological role played by serotonin in peripheral organs. DRF caused an uncoordinated response in the liver and blood serotonin rhythm. This modification could be a part of the physiology of the FEO.

Molecular and biochemical modifications of liver glutamine synthetase elicited by daytime restricted feeding.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The circadian clock system in the liver plays important roles in regulating metabolism and energy homeostasis. Restricted feeding schedules (RFS) become an entraining stimulus that promotes adaptations that form part of an alternative circadian clock known as the food entrained oscillator (FEO). The aim of this study was to evaluate the daily variations of glutamine synthetase (GS) in liver under a daytime RFS. METHODS: Hepatic GS properties were analysed at 3-h intervals over a 24-h period in adult male Wistar rats maintained in a 12:12 h light­dark cycle. RFS group: food access for 2-h in light phase, during 3 weeks. AL group: feeding ad libitum. Fa group: acute fast (21 h). Fa­Re group: acute fast followed by refed 2 h.mRNA expression was measured by RT-qPCR, protein presence by Western-blot and immunohistochemistry, enzyme activity by a spectrophotometric assay, and glutamine by high pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Restricted feeding schedule induced circadian rhythmicity inmRNA levels of GS and the loss of the rhythmic pattern in mitochondrial GS activity. GS activity in liver homogenates displayed a robust rhythmic pattern in AL that was not modified by RFS. The presence of GS and its zonal distribution did not show rhythmic pattern in both groups. However, acute Fa and Fa­Re diminished GS protein and activity in liver homogenates. Hepatic glutamine concentrations showed a 24-h rhythmic pattern in both groups, in an antiphasic pattern. In conclusion, daytime RFS influences the liver GS system at different levels, that could be part of rheostatic adaptations associated to the FEO, and highlight the plasticity of this system.