Hepatobiliary circulation and dominant urinary excretion of homogentisic acid in a mouse model of alkaptonuria.

Altered activity of specific enzymes in phenylalanine-tyrosine (phe-tyr) metabolism results in incomplete breakdown of various metabolite substrates in this pathway. Increased biofluid concentration and tissue accumulation of the phe-tyr pathway metabolite homogentisic acid (HGA) is central to pathophysiology in the inherited disorder alkaptonuria (AKU). Accumulation of metabolites upstream of HGA, including tyrosine, occurs in patients on nitisinone, a licenced drug for AKU and hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1, which inhibits the enzyme responsible for HGA production. The aim of this study was to investigate the phe-tyr metabolite content of key biofluids and tissues in AKU mice on and off nitisinone to gain new insights into the biodistribution of metabolites in these altered metabolic states. The data show for the first time that HGA is present in bile in AKU (mean [±SD] = 1003[±410] µmol/L; nitisinone-treated AKU mean [±SD] = 45[±23] µmol/L). Biliary tyrosine, 3(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvic acid (HPPA) and 3(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactic acid (HPLA) are also increased on nitisinone. Urine was confirmed as the dominant elimination route of HGA in untreated AKU, but with indication of biliary excretion. These data provide new insights into pathways of phe-tyr metabolite biodistribution and metabolism, showing for the first time that hepatobiliary excretion contributes to the total pool of metabolites in this pathway. Our data suggest that biliary elimination of organic acids and other metabolites may play an underappreciated role in disorders of metabolism. We propose that our finding of approximately 3.8 times greater urinary HGA excretion in AKU mice compared with patients is one reason for the lack of extensive tissue ochronosis in the AKU mouse model.

Spatiotemporal assessment of pathogenic Leptospira in subtropical coastal watersheds.

The World Health Organization classifies leptospirosis as a significant public health concern, predominantly affecting impoverished and unsanitary regions. By using the Pensacola Bay System as a case study, this study examines the underappreciated susceptibility of developed subtropical coastal ecosystems such as the Pensacola Bay System to neglected zoonotic pathogens such as Leptospira. We analyzed 132 water samples collected over 12 months from 44 distinct locations with high levels of Escherichia coli (>410 most probable number/100 mL). Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations were assessed using IDEXX Colilert-18 and Enterolert-18, and an analysis of water physiochemical characteristics and rainfall intensity was conducted. The LipL32 gene was used as a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicator to identify the distribution of Leptospira interrogans. The results revealed 12 instances of the presence of L. interrogans at sites with high FIB over various land cover and aquatic ecosystem types. Independent of specific rainfall events, a seasonal relationship between precipitation and elevated rates of fecal bacteria and leptospirosis was found. These findings highlight qPCR's utility in identifying pathogens in aquatic environments and the widespread conditions where it can be found in natural and developed areas.

Impacts of Fulvic Acid on the Toxicity of the Herbicide Atrazine to Lemna minor.

Fulvic acids (FA) are environmentally prevalent components of dissolved organic carbon. Little research has evaluated their potential influence on the bioavailability of herbicides to non-target aquatic plants. This study evaluated the potential impacts of FA on the bioavailability of atrazine (ATZ) to the aquatic plant Lemna minor. Plants were exposed to 0, 15, 30, 60, 125, and 750 µg/L ATZ in media containing three FA concentrations (0, 5, and 15 mg/L) in a factorial study under static conditions. Fronds were counted after 7- and 14-days exposure and intrinsic growth rates (IGR) and total frond yields were calculated for analysis. Atrazine NOAECs and LOAECs within each FA treatment series (0, 5, or 15 mg/L) were identified and EC50s were estimated. NOAEC/LOAECs for yield and IGR were 60/125 µg/L except for yield in the 0 mg/L-FA series (30/60) and IGR in the 5 mg/L-FA series (30/60). NOAEC/LOAECs were 30/60 µg/L for all treatments and both endpoints after 14 days exposure. EC50s ranged from 88.2 to 106.1 µg/L (frond production 7 DAT), 158.0-186.0 µg/L (IGR, 7 DAT), 74.7-86.3 µg/L (frond production, 14 DAT), and 144.1-151.3 µg/L (IGR, 14 DAT). FA concentrations did not influence the toxicity of ATZ.

Clinicodemographic Predictors of Tracheotomy Tube Size and Decannulation: A Multiinstitutional Retrospective Cohort Study on Tracheotomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to discern clinico-demographic predictors of large (≥8) tracheostomy tube size placement, and, secondarily, to assess the effect of large tracheostomy tube size and other parameters on odds of decannulation before hospital discharge. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Factors determining choice of tracheostomy tube size are not well-characterized in the current literature, despite evidence linking large tracheostomy tube size with posttracheotomy tracheal stenosis. The effect of tracheostomy tube size on timing of decannulation is also unknown, an important consideration given reported associations between endotracheal tube size and probability of failed extubation. METHODS: We collected information pertaining to patients who underwent tracheotomy at 1 of 10 U.S. health care institutions between 2010 and 2019. Tracheostomy tube size was dichotomized (≥8 and <8). Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to identify predictors of (1) large tracheostomy tube size, and (2) decannulation before hospital discharge. RESULTS: The study included 5307 patients, including 2797 (52.7%) in the large tracheostomy cohort. Patient height (odds ratio [OR] = 1.060 per inch; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.041-1.070) and obesity (1.37; 95% CI 1.1891.579) were associated with greater odds of large tracheostomy tube; otolaryngology performing the tracheotomy was associated with significantly lower odds of large tracheostomy tube (OR = 0.155; 95% CI 0.131-0.184). Large tracheostomy tube size (OR = 1.036; 95% CI 0.885-1.213) did not affect odds of decannulation. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was linked with increased likelihood of large tracheostomy tube size, independent of patient height. Probability of decannulation before hospital discharge is influenced by multiple patient-centric factors, but not by size of tracheostomy tube.

Associations between patient factors and successful colon capsule endoscopy - A prospective cohort study.

AIM: To establish patient factors associated with a successful colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) test. METHOD: This prospective cohort study used data collected from patients who underwent CCE as part of the ScotCap evaluation prior to April 2020. A CCE was defined as successful if the capsule visualized the whole colon and rectum (complete test) with sufficient bowel cleansing to permit assessment of the colonic mucosa (adequate bowel preparation). Factors from patients in symptomatic and surveillance groups were analysed for associations with a successful test, complete test, adequate bowel preparation and requirement for further procedure using univariate, multivariate logistic, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. RESULTS: Data from 263 symptomatic and 137 surveillance patients were analysed. There was an association between a symptomatic patient's age and a successful test (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99), adequate bowel preparation (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-1.00) and further procedure requirement (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06). An association was found, for symptomatic patients, between a faecal immunochemical test result in the range 10-399 µg/g and a further procedure (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.23-4.48). In patients undergoing surveillance for previous colorectal cancer (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18-0.97), had previous bowel resection surgery (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.98) or took a beta blocker medication (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.88), an association was found with further procedure requirement. CONCLUSIONS: Among symptomatic patients, younger age was associated with obtaining a successful CCE test. Clinicians could consider patient selection based on these results to improve the rate of successful testing in clinical practice.

Leaching of select per-/poly-fluoroalkyl substances, pharmaceuticals, and hormones through soils amended with composted biosolids.

The use of organic amendments to enhance soil health is increasingly being identified as a strategy to improve residential landscapes while also reducing the need for external inputs (e.g., fertilizers, irrigation). Composted biosolids are a re-purposed waste product that can be used in organic amendments to improve the overall sustainability of a municipality by enhancing residential soil carbon content while simultaneously reducing waste materials. However, the biosolids-based feedstock of these compost products has the potential to be a source of organic contaminants. We conducted a laboratory-based soil column experiment to evaluate the potential for different commercially available compost products to act as a source of emerging organic contaminants in residential landscapes. We compared two biosolids-based compost products, a manure-based compost product, and a control (no compost) treatment by irrigating soil columns for 30 days and collecting daily leachate samples to quantify leaching rates of six hormones, eight pharmaceuticals, and seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Detection of hormones and pharmaceuticals was rare, suggesting that compost amendments are likely not a major source of these contaminants to groundwater resources. In contrast, we detected three of the seven PFAS compounds in leachate samples throughout the study. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was more likely to leach from biosolids-based compost treatments than other treatments (p < 0.05) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) was only detected in biosolids-based treatments (although PFBS concentrations did not significantly differ among treatments). In contrast, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was commonly detected across all treatments (including controls), suggesting potential PFOA experimental contamination. Overall, these results demonstrate that commercially available composted biosolids amendments are likely not a major source of hormone and pharmaceutical contamination. The detection of PFHxA at significantly higher concentrations in biosolids treatments suggests that biosolids-based composts may act as sources of PFHxA to the environment. However, concentrations of multiple PFAS compounds found in leachate in this study were lower than concentrations found in known PFAS hotspots. Therefore, there is potential for environmental contamination from PFAS leaching from composted biosolids, but leachate concentrations are low which should be considered in risk-benefit analyses when considering whether or not to use composted biosolids as an organic amendment to enhance residential soil health.

Development of an in vivo radiographic method with potential for use in improving bone quality and the welfare of laying hens through genetic selection.

1. Genetic selection for bone quality can improve this, as it is heritable. A method was established using digital X-ray which took around 40 s in total and gave an image that allowed quantification of bone density from many appendicular bones.2. The tibiotarsus measurement of bone density on the live hen across the different experiments had correlations with post-mortem whole bone radiographic density from 0.62 to 0.7, similar to that between density and material properties for example. Differences between groups of hens, where calcium and phosphorus in the diet were manipulated, were detected within 3 weeks of treatment using live hen measurement (P < 0.001, n = 24).3. In a gage analysis, 'hen' explained more than 86% of the variance, demonstrating the ability to observe clear differences between hens. The effect of different operators' analysis on the contribution to variance was very low as was the repeated measurement of the same hen.4. The measurement of bone density on the live hen described in this paper represented major progress to a usable method for genetic selection to improve bone strength in laying hens. The method has the potential to reduce the number of animals needed to test nutritional and management interventions to improve bone health.

Environmental risk assessment for fecal contamination sources in urban and peri-urban estuaries, in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, FL, USA.

Fecal pollution of estuaries and adjacent creeks and streams is of significant concern along the Gulf of Mexico. The prospective threat to human life and water quality impairment via fecal pollution is a substantial danger to the strength and resistance of coastline areas. Pensacola, FL, has a prosperous coastal tourism industry that is utilized for numerous other uses, such as recreational watersports and boating, seafood, and shellfish harvesting. However, the frequency and severity of fecal contamination present possible socio-economic issues, specifically financial hardships. Therefore, understanding the source, abundance, and fate of fecal microbial pollutants in aquatic systems signifies an imperative initial stage for detecting the host sources and techniques to lessen their transport from the landscape. This research aimed to quantify the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), Escherichia coli, and perform microbiological fecal source tracking to verify if the fecal inputs are of either animal or human host origin. Surface water samples were taken from urban and peri-urban creeks for two sampling periods (February 2021 and January 2022), and IDEXX Colilert-18 (USEPA Standard Method 9223) was used for E. coli enumeration. DNA extractions were obtained from each sample, and quantitative PCR was utilized for fecal microbial source tracking (MST) to detect human, dog, ruminant, and bird host-specific Bacteroides DNA. The result indicates elevated quantities of FIB, E. coli, that surpass the threshold considered safe regarding human health. E. coli at six sites over the two sampling periods exceeded the impairment threshold, reaching as high as 866.4 MPN/100 ml. Fecal source tracking identified human host fecal contamination at four of nine sites, dogs at three of nine, and birds at one site. However, those sites with sources identified via MST all had E. coli levels below impairment thresholds. No sites were determined to be positive for ruminant as a source or for the pathogen Helicobacter pylori. No canine host fecal inputs were found in January 2022, and only one site with human sewage. Our results highlight the utility of MST in assessing bacterial inputs to water bodies and the challenges.

Nonopioid Analgesics for the Perioperative Geriatric Patient: A Narrative Review.

Management of acute perioperative pain in the geriatric patient can be challenging as the physiologic and pharmacokinetic changes associated with aging may predispose older patients to opioid-related side effects. Furthermore, elderly adults are more susceptible to postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction, which may be exacerbated by both poorly controlled postoperative pain and commonly used pain medications. This narrative review summarizes the literature published in the past 10 years for several nonopioid analgesics commonly prescribed to the geriatric patient in the perioperative period. Nonopioid analgesics are broken down as follows: medications prescribed throughout the perioperative period (acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), medications limited to the acute perioperative setting ( N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, dexmedetomidine, dexamethasone, and local anesthetics), and medications to be used with caution in the geriatric patient population (gabapentinoids and muscle relaxants). Our search identified 1757 citations, but only 33 specifically focused on geriatric analgesia. Of these, only 21 were randomized clinical trials' and 1 was a systematic review. While guidance in tailoring pain regimens that focus on the use of nonopioid medications in the geriatric patient is lacking, we summarize the current literature and highlight that some nonopioid medications may extend benefits to the geriatric patient beyond analgesia.

Maximum entropy inference of seabed properties using waveguide invariant features from surface ships.

Acoustic data were recorded on two vertical line arrays (VLAs) deployed in the New England Mud Patch during the Seabed Characterization Experiment 2017 in about 75 m of water. The sound recorded during the passage of merchant ships permits identification of singular points for the waveguide invariant ß for mode pairs (1,n):ß1,n,for n=2,3,4,5, in the 15-80 Hz band. Using prior geophysical information and an acoustic data sample from the merchant ship KALAMATA, a geoacoustic model M of the seabed was developed. Then, using data samples from other merchant ships, a feature-ensemble maximum entropy method is employed to infer the statistical properties of geoacoustic parameter values for the sound speeds in a surface mud layer and a deep sand layer. Technical challenges include a sparsity of observed singular points, the unique identification of mode pairs for an observed singular point, and the deviation of the waveguide from horizontal stratification. A geoacoustic model M is developed that reproduced the observed ß≈-1 for f < 20 Hz and mode cutoff features at about 15 Hz. The statistical low-frequency inference of the singular point structure from multiple ships provides evidence of an angle of intromission at the water sediment interface with an average sound speed ratio of about 0.986 and an average sound speed for the deeper sand layer of about 1775 m/s.

Influence of Sediments on Concentrations of Fluridone and Penoxsulam in the Water Column and Sediment Pore Water.

Control of invasive aquatic plants is crucial for the maintenance of chemical, biological and ecological balances in many fresh water systems. Exposure of invasive plants to herbicides used for their control may be reduced by sorption to organic matter in sediments. Since granular herbicide formulations have closer contact with sediments (compared to liquid formulations), concentrations in the water column may be much lower. To test this hypothesis, microcosms containing sediments with < 1%, 6.4%, 19.7%, and 44% organic matter were treated with liquid and granular formulations of fluridone and penoxsulam. Herbicide concentrations in the water column and sediment pore water were monitored over 40 days. The presence of sediments (regardless of organic carbon content) significantly reduced concentrations of fluridone in the water column from the granular formulations relative to the liquid formulation. A similar, though less extreme, pattern was observed for penoxsulam in most of the organic carbon treatments.

Clinical predictors of donor antibody titre and correlation with recipient antibody response in a COVID-19 convalescent plasma clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 relies on transfer of anti-viral antibody from donors to recipients via plasma transfusion. The relationship between clinical characteristics and antibody response to COVID-19 is not well defined. We investigated predictors of convalescent antibody production and quantified recipient antibody response in a convalescent plasma therapy clinical trial. METHODS: Multivariable analysis of clinical and serological parameters in 103 confirmed COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors 28 days or more following symptom resolution was performed. Mixed-effects regression models with piecewise linear trends were used to characterize serial antibody responses in 10 convalescent plasma recipients with severe COVID-19. RESULTS: Donor antibody titres ranged from 0 to 1 : 3892 (anti-receptor binding domain (RBD)) and 0 to 1 : 3289 (anti-spike). Higher anti-RBD and anti-spike titres were associated with increased age, hospitalization for COVID-19, fever and absence of myalgia (all P < 0.05). Fatigue was significantly associated with anti-RBD (P = 0.03). In pairwise comparison amongst ABO blood types, AB donors had higher anti-RBD and anti-spike than O donors (P < 0.05). No toxicity was associated with plasma transfusion. Non-ECMO recipient anti-RBD antibody titre increased on average 31% per day during the first three days post-transfusion (P = 0.01) and anti-spike antibody titre by 40.3% (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Advanced age, fever, absence of myalgia, fatigue, blood type and hospitalization were associated with higher convalescent antibody titre to COVID-19. Despite variability in donor titre, 80% of convalescent plasma recipients showed significant increase in antibody levels post-transfusion. A more complete understanding of the dose-response effect of plasma transfusion amongst COVID-19-infected patients is needed.

Endonasal resection of orbital cavernous venous malformations with septal preservation.

PURPOSE: Multiple surgical approaches have been described to maximize visualization and accessibility for resection while minimizing morbidity in the patient with orbital intraconal tumors. Transnasal endoscopic approaches have become increasingly standard in select orbital cavernous venous malformations but often require a partial septectomy. The purpose of this manuscript is to communicate a septal preserving modified transseptal approach. METHODS: A 37-year old male was found to have an inferomedial intraconal orbital mass, measuring up to 2.6 cm on magnetic resonance imaging. Binarial transseptal access with septal preservation was obtained with a Killian incision on the right and a small incision in the midseptum on the left. RESULTS: Successful tumor delivery through the nasal cavity resulted in orbital relaxation. Postoperative evaluation of the septum demonstrated an intact septum with nearly no evidence of septal trauma from surgical manipulation. CONCLUSION: This technique is easily performed and affords adequate visualization and freedom of movement as traditional binarial transseptal approaches without the disadvantages of partial septal loss such as increased crusting, olfactory disturbance, and loss of nasoseptal flaps.

Vaccination practices for Leptospira spp. on New Zealand dairy farms.

AIMS: To describe leptospiral vaccination practices in dairy herds in New Zealand and evaluate conformity with best practice guidelines issued by the New Zealand Veterinary Association using data from a questionnaire administered by participating veterinary practices. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 200 randomly selected dairy farms stratified by herd size and region throughout New Zealand was conducted from January to April 2016 to investigate leptospiral vaccination practices in dairy herds in New Zealand. Using a pre-tested questionnaire administered during a face-to-face interview, vaccination practice details such as vaccine types, time, and age of vaccination and whether vaccines were administered by veterinary or farm staff, were collected. RESULTS: Leptospiral vaccination programmes had been implemented on 199/200 (99.5 (95% CI = 97.2-99.9)%) farms, and on 178 (89.4%) of those, programmes had been running for ≥5 years. Most farmers used bivalent vaccines containing antigens for leptospiral serovars Pomona and Hardjo (144/179 (80.4%) in calves, 112/167 (60.7%) in heifers, and 112/163 (68.7%) in cows), rather than trivalent vaccines which also include antigens for L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni. In total, 123/200 (61.5%) of farmers purchased only vaccinated animals but 51/199 (25.6%) were unsure of the vaccination status of purchased cattle. Sixty-one percent (105/172) of farmers had other livestock on their farms and of them, 78/186 (42%) vaccinated some or all for Leptospira spp. Leptospiral vaccines were administered always or sometimes with other animal remedies on 30/190 (15.8%) and 91/190 (47.9%) of farms, respectively. Most farmers had not made changes to their vaccination programme in the previous 5 years. Timing of first vaccination of calves ranged from 2 weeks to 10 months of age, with 112/189 (59.3%) vaccinating by 4 months of age. Approximately half of the farms followed the best practice guideline for the timing of vaccinations for calves (high-risk farms; 67/162; 41.4%) heifers (72/165, 43.6%), and cows (171/184; 92.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey suggest that there is almost universal adoption of leptospiral vaccination for dairy cattle in New Zealand. However, there remain areas for improvement regarding the proportion of farmers following best practice guidelines and refinement of vaccination programmes, particularly with respect to timing of vaccination in calves.

Serological study of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni and L. borgpetersenii serovars Tarassovi and Ballum in beef cattle, sheep and deer in New Zealand.

AIMS: To estimate animal-level seroprevalence of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni and L. borgpetersenii serovars Ballum and Tarassovi, in beef cattle, sheep and deer on New Zealand farms, and herd/flock-level seroprevalence of any serovar when existing same-sera data for serovars Hardjobovis and Pomona were included, and to determine associations between risk factors and animal-level seroprevalence. METHODS: Banked sera from sheep (n = 82), beef (n = 54) and deer (n = 62) herds/flocks (n = 3,878 animals) from seven regions were analysed using the microscopic agglutination test. Titres of ≥48 were designated positive. Herds/flocks were considered positive if either ≥1, ≥2 or ≥3 animals were positive. Existing same-sera data for serovars Hardjobovis and Pomona were included to establish farm-level any-serovar seropositivity. Factors associated with serological status were analysed using generalised estimating equations. RESULTS: Animal-level seroprevalence for serovars Ballum, Copenhageni, and Tarassovi, respectively, was 13.7 (95% CI = 11.7-16.0)%, 12.6 (95% CI = 10.6-14.7)% and 18.0 (95% CI = 15.7-20.5)% for beef cattle, 10.5 (95% CI = 9.0-12.1)%, 16.7 (95% CI = 14.9-18.6)% and 14.0 (95% CI = 12.4-15.8)% for sheep and 6.6 (95% CI = 5.3-8.2)%, 15.5 (95% CI = 13.5-17.7)% and 3.6 (95% CI = 2.7-4.8)% for deer, respectively. Herd/flock-level seroprevalence for Ballum was 86.6, 52.4 and 39.0% for sheep, 85.2, 52.7 and 33.3% for beef cattle and 50.8, 27.9 and 21.3% for deer at definitions ≥1, ≥2 and ≥3 seropositive animals per species, respectively. For Copenhageni, corresponding data were 95.1, 73.2 and 56.1% for sheep, 68.5, 48.2 and 29.6% for beef cattle and 73.8, 57.4 and 41.0% for deer, and for Tarassovi, 80.5, 59.7 and 45.1% for sheep, 83.3, 68.5 and 61.1% for beef cattle, and 42.6, 16.4 and 4.9% for deer. Seropositivity to all serovars was observed from all regions, with some differences in seroprevalence observed between species and regions, but not between islands. Combining with Hardjobovis and Pomona data, herd/flock-level seropositivity for all animal species and all five Leptospira serovars was 100% at definition ≥1 animal positive, and 97.5 and 96.3% for sheep flocks, 87.8 and 97.8% for beef cattle herds, and 89.3 and 75% for deer herds at ≥2 and ≥3 animals positive, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Seropositivity to serovars Ballum, Copenhageni and Tarassovi is common in sheep, beef cattle and deer New Zealand and most, or all farms have ≥1 livestock species seropositive to ≥1 serovar. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serovars Ballum, Tarassovi and Copenhageni should be considered when clinical or subclinical signs of leptospirosis are observed in sheep, beef cattle or deer. Livestock sector workers are potentially at risk of exposure.

Dietary betaine reduces plasma homocysteine concentrations and improves bone strength in laying hens.

1. This study tested the hypothesis that the methyl-donor properties of betaine could reduce homocysteine concentrations, which has been recognised in a previous genetics study to be linked to bone quality. This was combined with phytase treatment, as phosphorus is critical for bone mineralisation.2. Using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, a total of 1920 Lohmann LSL-lite chickens housed as 24 replicates of 20 chickens were fed one of four diets containing dietary betaine (0 or 1000 mg/kg) and phytase (300 or 1000 FTU/kg) from one day old until end-of-lay. Blood and bone samples were collected at 45 and 70 weeks of age.3. Hens fed betaine had lower plasma homocysteine level (P < 0.05), higher tibia breaking strength (P < 0.05) and higher tibia bone density (P < 0.05).4. Egg production and quality was excellent throughout the study and were not affected by the dietary treatments.5. The addition of dietary betaine was successful at reducing plasma homocysteine concentrations and improving bone strength in laying hens, which could be used as an intervention to alleviate welfare concerns.

Influence of Water Resource Recovery Facility Effluents on the Presence of Selected Trace Organic Contaminants (TOrCs) in the Reedy River, South Carolina.

Wastewater reclamation facilities are known sources of emerging contaminants associated with human health and sanitation. This study evaluated the contribution of trace organic contaminants to a previously unmonitored river by water resource reclamation facilities. Six sampling events were conducted on the Reedy River in South Carolina. Sampling locations included sites upstream and downstream of two WRRFs located on the river to examine potential contributions under drought conditions where WRRF effluents comprise a large proportion of total stream flow. Five target analytes were monitored including atrazine, carbamazepine, 17ß-estradiol, perfluorooctanoic acid, and sulfamethoxazole. On a mass basis, the WRRFs contributed additional loadings of carbamazepine ranging from 5.4 g/d to 7.2 g/d (mean: 6.3 ± 0.4 g/d), PFOA ranging from 8.6 to 31.9 g/d (mean: 20.0 ± 4.9), and sulfamethoxazole ranging from 49.4 g/d to 75.1 g/d (mean: 62.1 ± 4.8). 17ß-estradiol was detected once and atrazine was not detected.

Retinopathy develops at similar glucose levels but higher HbA1c levels in people with black African ancestry compared to white European ancestry: evidence for the need to individualize HbA1c interpretation.

AIMS: To examine the association of HbA1c and glucose levels with incident diabetic retinopathy according to black African or white European ancestry. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study of 202 500 US Veterans with diabetes (2000-2014), measures included HbA1c , outpatient random serum/plasma glucose, and incident retinopathy [conversion from negative to ≥2 positive evaluations (ICD-9 codes), without a subsequent negative]. RESULTS: At baseline, the study population had a mean age of 59.3 years, their mean BMI was 31.9 kg/m2 , HbA1c level was 57 mmol/mol (7.4%) and glucose level was 8.8 mmol/l, and 77% were of white European ancestry (white individuals) and 21% of black African ancestry (black individuals). HbA1c was 0.3% higher in black vs white individuals (P < 0.001), adjusting for baseline age, sex, BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), haemoglobin, and average systolic blood pressure and glucose. Over 11 years, incident retinopathy occurred in 9% of black and 7% of white individuals, but black individuals had higher HbA1c , glucose, and systolic blood pressure (all P < 0.001); adjusted for these factors, incident retinopathy was reduced in black vs white individuals (P < 0.001). The population incidence of retinopathy (7%) was associated with higher mean baseline HbA1c in individuals with black vs white ancestry [63 mmol/mol (7.9%) vs 58 mmol/mol (7.5%); P < 0.001)], but with similar baseline glucose levels (9.0 vs 9.0 mmol/l; P = 0.660, all adjusted for baseline age, sex and BMI). CONCLUSIONS: Since retinopathy occurs at higher HbA1c levels in black people for a given level of average plasma glucose, strategies may be needed to individualize the interpretation of HbA1c measurements.

Impact of mismatches in HbA1c vs glucose values on the diagnostic classification of diabetes and prediabetes.

AIMS: To determine whether HbA1c mismatches (HbA1c levels that are higher or lower than expected for the average glucose levels in different individuals) could lead to errors if diagnostic classification is based only on HbA1c levels. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 3106 participants without known diabetes underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (fasting glucose and 2-h glucose) and a 50-g glucose challenge test (1-h glucose) on separate days. They were classified by oral glucose tolerance test results as having: normal glucose metabolism; prediabetes; or diabetes. Predicted HbA1c was determined from the linear regression modelling the relationship between observed HbA1c and average glucose (mean of fasting glucose and 2-h glucose from the oral glucose tolerance test, and 1-h glucose from the glucose challenge test) within oral glucose tolerance test groups. The haemoglobin glycation index was calculated as [observed - predicted HbA1c ], and divided into low, intermediate and high haemoglobin glycation index mismatch tertiles. RESULTS: Those participants with higher mismatches were more likely to be black, to be men, to be older, and to have higher BMI (all P<0.001). Using oral glucose tolerance test criteria, the distribution of normal glucose metabolism, prediabetes and diabetes was similar across mismatch tertiles; however, using HbA1c criteria, the participants with low mismatches were classified as 97% normal glucose metabolism, 3% prediabetes and 0% diabetes, i.e. mostly normal, while those with high mismatches were classified as 13% normal glucose metabolism, 77% prediabetes and 10% diabetes, i.e. mostly abnormal (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring only HbA1c could lead to under-diagnosis in people with low mismatches and over-diagnosis in those with high mismatches. Additional oral glucose tolerance tests and/or fasting glucose testing to complement HbA1c in diagnostic classification should be performed in most individuals.

On-farm risk factors associated with Leptospira shedding in New Zealand dairy cattle.

This study aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with shedding of pathogenic Leptospira species in urine at animal and herd levels. In total, 200 dairy farms were randomly selected from the DairyNZ database. Urine samples were taken from 20 lactating, clinically normal cows in each herd between January and April 2016 and tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using gyrB as the target gene. Overall, 26.5% of 200 farms had at least one PCR positive cow and 2.4% of 4000 cows were shedding Leptospira in the urine. Using a questionnaire, information about risk factors at cow and farm level was collected via face-to-face interviews with farm owners and managers. Animals on all but one farm had been vaccinated against Hardjo and Pomona and cows on 54 of 200 (27%) farms had also been vaccinated against Copenhageni in at least one age group (calves, heifers and cows). Associations found to be statistically significant in univariate analysis (at P < 0.2) were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. Factors associated with shedding included cattle age (Odds ratio (OR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.95), keeping sheep (OR 5.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-21.25) or dogs (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07-1.97) and managing milking cows in a single as opposed to multiple groups (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20-0.99). We conclude that younger cattle were more likely to be shedding Leptospira than older cattle and that the presence of sheep and dogs was associated with an increased risk of shedding in cows. Larger herds were at higher risk of having Leptospira shedders. However, none of the environmental risk factors that were assessed (e.g. access to standing water, drinking-water source), or wildlife abundance on-farm, or pasture were associated with shedding, possibly due to low statistical power, given the low overall shedding rate.