Kinetic studies of galectin-10 release from eosinophils exposed to proliferating T cells.

Galectin-10 is involved in the T cell suppressive activity of regulatory T cells and eosinophils alike. We have identified a subpopulation of T cell suppressive eosinophils that express CD16 on the surface and contain more galectin-10 compared with conventional CD16-negative eosinophils. Our main goal was to determine how the intracellular protein galectin-10 is released from eosinophils when exposed to proliferating T cells and if such release could be inhibited. Confocal microscopy and imaging flow cytometry were used to study the release of galectin-10 from eosinophils incubated with polyclonally activated T cells. T cell proliferation was monitored by measurement of the incorporation of [3 H]-thymidine. Initially, galectin-10-containing synapses formed between eosinophils and T cells. Subsequently, the plasma membrane of eosinophils began to disintegrate and cap-like accumulations of galectin-10 budded on the eosinophil cell surface. Lastly, eosinophil extracellular traps composed of nuclear DNA and galectin-10 were freed. It was solely the CD16-expressing suppressive eosinophils that formed synapses and eosinophil extracellular traps containing galectin-10. Dissolution of the extracellular traps by DNase I partly abrogated the T cell suppression exerted by eosinophils. Extracellular trap formation has mainly been associated with anti-bacterial defense, but we show a new putative function of these cellular formations, as mediators of T cell suppression by enabling the release of galectin-10 from eosinophils.

Kerma conversion factors for modern glass buildings in radioactively contaminated areas.

To improve the estimation of external gamma irradiation from deposited radioactivity in urban environments a model of a modern office or residential building with glass facades was set up with eleven different building heights. Kerma conversion factors for the floors inside the building from contamination on different types of surfaces were determined by using the Monte Carlo code MCNP6 for the primary gamma energies 0.3 , 0.662 and 3.0 MeV and for three different environmental scenarios. The kerma conversion factors were expressed as formulas for each possible deposition area for contaminants. The importance of the determined factors was shown by comparing them to previously generally used factors for multistorey house blocks.

Influence of heme c attachment on heme conformation and potential.

Heme c is characterized by its covalent attachment to a polypeptide. The attachment is typically to a CXXCH motif in which the two Cys form thioether bonds with the heme, "X" can be any amino acid other than Cys, and the His serves as a heme axial ligand. Some cytochromes c, however, contain heme attachment motifs with three or four intervening residues in a CX3CH or CX4CH motif. Here, the impacts of these variations in the heme attachment motif on heme ruffling and electronic structure are investigated by spectroscopically characterizing CX3CH and CX4CH variants of Hydrogenobacter thermophilus cytochrome c552. In addition, a novel CXCH variant is studied. 1H and 13C NMR, EPR, and resonance Raman spectra of the protein variants are analyzed to deduce the extent of ruffling using previously reported relationships between these spectral data and heme ruffling. In addition, the reduction potentials of these protein variants are measured using protein film voltammetry. The CXCH and CX4CH variants are found to have enhanced heme ruffling and lower reduction potentials. Implications of these results for the use of these noncanonical motifs in nature, and for the engineering of novel heme peptide structures, are discussed.

Introducing the concept of the isodose for optimisation of decontamination activities in a radioactive fallout scenario.

In the recovery phase after a radioactive release incident, it is important to be able to focus decontamination operations on the areas that contribute most to the radiation dose. Monte Carlo simulations were applied to determine the shielding effect of a building against radiation from various directions, also giving information on the dose contributions at various locations inside the building from specific areas outside. The concept of the isodose was developed to optimise decontamination activities, and was applied as isodose lines to define the smallest areas that lead to a certain dose reduction through decontamination of areas surrounding the building. The shape and position of the isodose lines depend on the building's geometry, wall thickness, and material, and on the observation point inside the building. Calculations have been made with a surface resolution of 1 m2 for four observation points in a modular building, assuming depositions of 137Cs and 60Co on the ground surface and on the roof, as well as 1 cm below the ground surface to represent ground penetration. For example, a ten times as large area would have to be decontaminated to increase the dose reduction from 10% to 30%, if it is assumed that all the contamination is located at a depth of 1 cm.

Cyclic diguanylate regulation of Bacillus cereus group biofilm formation.

Biofilm formation can be considered a bacterial virulence mechanism. In a range of Gram-negatives, increased levels of the second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) promotes biofilm formation and reduces motility. Other bacterial processes known to be regulated by c-di-GMP include cell division, differentiation and virulence. Among Gram-positive bacteria, where the function of c-di-GMP signalling is less well characterized, c-di-GMP was reported to regulate swarming motility in Bacillus subtilis while having very limited or no effect on biofilm formation. In contrast, we show that in the Bacillus cereus group c-di-GMP signalling is linked to biofilm formation, and to several other phenotypes important to the lifestyle of these bacteria. The Bacillus thuringiensis 407 genome encodes eleven predicted proteins containing domains (GGDEF/EAL) related to c-di-GMP synthesis or breakdown, ten of which are conserved through the majority of clades of the B. cereus group, including Bacillus anthracis. Several of the genes were shown to affect biofilm formation, motility, enterotoxin synthesis and/or sporulation. Among these, cdgF appeared to encode a master diguanylate cyclase essential for biofilm formation in an oxygenated environment. Only two cdg genes (cdgA, cdgJ) had orthologs in B. subtilis, highlighting differences in c-di-GMP signalling between B. subtilis and B. cereus group bacteria.

Allergic disease in 8-year-old children is preceded by delayed B cell maturation.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that exposure to a farming environment is allergy-protective, while high proportions of neonatal immature/naïve CD5+ B cells and putative regulatory T cells (Tregs) are risk factors for development of allergic disease and sensitization up to 3 years of age. OBJECTIVE: To examine if B and T cell maturation are associated with allergic disease and farming environment over the first 8 years in life. METHODS: In the prospective FARMFLORA study, including both farming and non-farming families, 48 of 65 children took part in the 8-year follow-up study. Various B and T cell maturation variables were examined in blood samples obtained at several occasions from birth to 8 years of age and related to doctors' diagnosed allergic disease and sensitization, and to farming environment. RESULTS: We found that the incidence of allergic disease was lower among farmers' compared to non-farmers' children during the 8-year follow-up period, and that farmers' children had higher proportions of memory B cells at 8 years of age. Moreover, a high proportion of neonatal CD5+ B cells was a risk factor for and may predict development of allergic disease at 8 years of age. A high proportion of Tregs was not protective against development of these conditions. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High proportions of neonatal naïve B cells remained as a risk factor for allergic disease in school-aged children. Thus, the accelerated B cell maturation observed among farmers' children may be crucial for the allergy-protective effect of a farming environment.

New Iminodiacetate-Thiosemicarbazone Hybrids and Their Copper(II) Complexes Are Potential Ribonucleotide Reductase R2 Inhibitors with High Antiproliferative Activity.

As ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) plays a crucial role in nucleic acid metabolism, it is an important target for anticancer therapy. The thiosemicarbazone Triapine is an efficient R2 inhibitor, which has entered ∼20 clinical trials. Thiosemicarbazones are supposed to exert their biological effects through effectively binding transition-metal ions. In this study, six iminodiacetate-thiosemicarbazones able to form transition-metal complexes, as well as six dicopper(II) complexes, were synthesized and fully characterized by analytical, spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-vis; 1H and 13C NMR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. The antiproliferative effects were examined in several human cancer and one noncancerous cell lines. Several of the compounds showed high cytotoxicity and marked selectivity for cancer cells. On the basis of this, and on molecular docking calculations one lead dicopper(II) complex and one thiosemicarbazone were chosen for in vitro analysis as potential R2 inhibitors. Their interaction with R2 and effect on the Fe(III)2-Y· cofactor were characterized by microscale thermophoresis, and two spectroscopic techniques, namely, electron paramagnetic resonance and UV-vis spectroscopy. Our findings suggest that several of the synthesized proligands and copper(II) complexes are effective antiproliferative agents in several cancer cell lines, targeting RNR, which deserve further investigation as potential anticancer drugs.

Tooth agenesis in osteogenesis imperfecta related to mutations in the collagen type I genes.

BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of disorders of connective tissue, mainly caused by mutations in the collagen type I genes (COL1A1 and COL1A2). Tooth agenesis is a common feature of OI. We investigated the association between tooth agenesis and collagen type I mutations in individuals with OI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cohort study, 128 unrelated individuals with OI were included. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed regarding dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) and congenitally missing teeth. The collagen I genes were sequenced in all individuals, and in 25, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed. RESULTS: Mutations in the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes were found in 104 of 128 individuals. Tooth agenesis was diagnosed in 17% (hypodontia 11%, oligodontia 6%) and was more frequent in those with DGI (P = 0.016), and in those with OI type III, 47%, compared to those with OI types I, 12% (P = 0.003), and IV, 13% (P = 0.017). Seventy-five percent of the individuals with oligodontia (≥6 missing teeth) had qualitative mutations, but there was no association with OI type, gender, or presence of DGI. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of tooth agenesis is high (17%) in individuals with OI, and OI caused by a qualitative collagen I mutation is associated with oligodontia.

Discovery of compounds that protect tyrosine hydroxylase activity through different mechanisms.

Pharmacological chaperones are small compounds that correct the folding of mutant proteins, and represent a promising therapeutic strategy for misfolding diseases. We have performed a screening of 10,000 compounds searching for pharmacological chaperones of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of catecholamines. A large number of compounds bound to human TH, isoform 1 (hTH1), but only twelve significantly protected wild-type (hTH1-wt) and mutant TH-R233H (hTH1-p.R202H), associated to the rare neurological disorder TH deficiency (THD), from time-dependent loss of activity. Three of them (named compounds 2, 4 and 5) were subjected to detailed characterization of their functional and molecular effects. Whereas compounds 2 and 4 had a characteristic pharmacological chaperone (stabilizing) effect, compound 5 protected the activity in a higher extent than expected from the low conformational stabilization exerted on hTH1. Compounds 4 and 5 were weak competitive inhibitors with respect to the cofactor BH4 and, as seen by electron paramagnetic resonance, they induced small changes to the first coordination sphere of the catalytic iron. Molecular docking also indicated active-site location with coordination to the iron through a pyrimidine nitrogen atom. Interestingly, compound 5 increased TH activity in cells transiently transfected with either hTH1-wt or the THD associated mutants p.L205P, p.R202H and p.Q381K without affecting the steady-state TH protein levels. This work revealed different mechanisms for the action of pharmacological chaperones and identifies a subtype of compounds that preserve TH activity by weak binding to the catalytic iron. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cofactor-dependent proteins: Evolution, chemical diversity and bio-applications.

Peanut allergy is common among hazelnut-sensitized subjects but is not primarily the result of IgE cross-reactivity.

BACKGROUND: Hazelnut and peanut are botanically unrelated foods, but patients are often sensitized and allergic to both, for reasons that are not well understood. METHODS: To investigate molecular cosensitization and cross-reactivity to peanut in hazelnut-sensitized individuals, children (n = 81) and adults (n = 80) were retrospectively selected based on sensitization to hazelnut. IgE to hazelnut extract, Cor a 1, 8, 9 and 14, to peanut extract, Ara h 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9, and to Bet v 1 was determined by ImmunoCAP. Allergy to hazelnut and peanut was established by DBPCFC and/or detailed clinical history. Patients were either tolerant or displayed subjective or objective symptoms to either food. IgE cross-reactivity between hazelnut and peanut storage proteins was assessed by reciprocal ImmunoCAP inhibition experiments. RESULTS: Of the 161 hazelnut-sensitized subjects, 109 (68%) were also sensitized to peanut, and 73 (45%) had clinical expression of allergy to peanut that was not associated with the presence or severity of hazelnut allergy. Instead, it was associated with IgE reactivity to peanut storage proteins, in particular Ara h 2. No cross-reactivity could be detected between Ara h 2 and Cor a 14, and 2 of 13 subjects displayed extensive cross-reactivity between 11S globulins; in plasma of both individuals, Ara h 3 almost completely inhibited IgE binding to Cor a 9. CONCLUSIONS: Peanut allergy is not primarily the result of IgE cross-reactivity to hazelnut storage proteins. IgE to Cor a 14 and Ara h 2 may serve as useful markers of primary sensitization to hazelnut and peanut, respectively.

Reduction of obstruction related bladder overactivity by the guanylyl cyclase modulators BAY 41-2272 and BAY 60-2770 alone or in combination with a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.

AIMS: To assess the urodynamic effects of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) stimulator, BAY 41-2272, and activator, BAY 60-2770, (which both are able to induce cGMP synthesis even in the absence of nitric oxide (NO)) alone or in combination with a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, vardenafil, in a model of partial urethral obstruction (PUO) induced bladder overactivity (BO). METHODS: Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, 31 of them underwent PUO. Fourteen rats were used for Western blots to assess PDE5 and sGC expression. For drug evaluation cystometry without anesthesia was performed three days following bladder catheterization. RESULTS: Obstructed rats showed higher micturition frequency and bladder pressures than non-obstructed animals (Intermicturition Interval, IMI, 2.28 ± 0.55 vs. 3.60 ± 0.60 min (± standard deviation, SD); maximum micturition pressure, MMP, 70.1 ± 8.0 vs. 48.8 ± 7.2 cmH2O; both P < 0.05). In obstructed rats vardenafil, BAY 41-2272, and BAY 60-2770 increased IMI (2.77 ± 1.12, 2.62 ± 0.52, and 3.22 ± 1.04 min; all P < 0.05) and decreased MMP (54.4 ± 2.8, 61.5 ± 11.3, and 51.2 ± 6.3 cmH2O; all P < 0.05). When vardenafil was given following BAY 41-2272 or BAY 60-2770 no further urodynamic effects were observed. PDE5 as well as sGC protein expression was reduced in obstructed bladder tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting sGC via stimulators or activators, which increase the levels of cGMP independent of endogenous NO, is as effective as vardenafil to reduce urodynamic signs of BO. Targeting the NO/cGMP pathway via compounds acting on sGC might become a new approach to treat BO.

Comparative study of two chitin-active and two cellulose-active AA10-type lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases.

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), found in family 9 (previously GH61), family 10 (previously CBM33), and the newly discovered family 11 of auxiliary activities (AA) in the carbohydrate-active enzyme classification system, are copper-dependent enzymes that oxidize sp(3)-carbons in recalcitrant polysaccharides such as chitin and cellulose in the presence of an external electron donor. In this study, we describe the activity of two AA10-type LPMOs whose activities have not been described before and we compare in total four different AA10-type LPMOs with the aim of finding possible correlations between their substrate specificities, sequences, and EPR signals. EPR spectra indicate that the electronic environment of the copper varies within the AA10 family even though amino acids directly interacting with the copper atom are identical in all four enzymes. This variation seems to be correlated to substrate specificity and is likely caused by sequence variation in areas that affect substrate binding geometry and/or by variation in a cluster of conserved aromatic residues likely involved in electron transfer. Interestingly, EPR signals for cellulose-active AA10 enzymes were similar to those previously observed for cellulose-active AA9 enzymes. Mutation of the conserved phenylalanine positioned in close proximity to the copper center in AA10-type LPMOs to Tyr (the corresponding residue in most AA9-type LPMOs) or Ala, led to complete or partial inactivation, respectively, while in both cases the ability to bind copper was maintained. Moreover, substrate binding affinity and degradation ability seemed hardly correlated, further emphasizing the crucial role of the active site configuration in determining LPMO functionality.

High proportions of FOXP3(+) CD25(high) T cells in neonates are positively associated with allergic sensitization later in childhood.

BACKGROUND: The role of FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells in the prevention against sensitization and allergy development is controversial. OBJECTIVE: We followed 65 newborn Swedish children from farming and non-farming families from birth to 3 years of age and investigated the relation between CD4(+) T cell subsets in blood samples and development of sensitization and allergic disease. METHODS: The proportions of FOXP3(+) CD25(high) , CTLA-4(+) CD25(+) , CD45RO(+) , HLA-DR(+) , CCR4(+) or α4ß7(+) within the CD4(+) T cell population were examined by flow cytometry of blood samples at several time-points. Mononuclear cells were isolated from blood and stimulated with birch allergen, ovalbumin or the mitogen PHA, and the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF, IFN-γ, IL-5 and IL-13 were measured. A clinical evaluation regarding the presence of allergen-specific IgE and allergy was performed at 18 and 36 months of age. RESULTS: Multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that children who were sensitized at 18 or 36 months of age had higher proportions of FOXP3(+) CD25(high) T cells at birth and at 3 days of life than children who remained non-sensitized, whereas allergy was unrelated to the neonatal proportions of these cells. The proportions of CTLA-4(+) CD25(+) T cells were unrelated to both sensitization and allergy. The association between higher proportions of FOXP3(+) CD25(high) T cells and sensitization persisted after exclusion of farmer's children. Finally, a farming environment was associated with lower proportions of FOXP3(+) CD25(high) T cells in early infancy and to a more prominent T cell memory conversion and cytokine production. CONCLUSION & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that high proportions of FOXP3(+) CD25(high) T cells in neonates are not protective against later sensitization or development of allergy.

Phase II study on the efficacy and safety of the EP1 receptor antagonist ONO-8539 for nonneurogenic overactive bladder syndrome.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the EP1 receptor antagonist ONO-8539 in patients with overactive bladder syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group, multicenter study with a 2-week single blind placebo run-in phase. The 435 patients were randomized to receive twice daily ONO-8539 (30, 100 or 300 mg), placebo or once daily tolterodine (4 mg). RESULTS: At the end of the 12-week treatment no statistically significant difference was found between ONO-8539 and placebo in the change from baseline in the number of micturitions per 24 hours. The primary end points for 30, 100 and 300 mg ONO-8539, and placebo were -1.02, -1.53, -1.31 and -1.40, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between any ONO-8539 group and placebo in the change from baseline in the number of urgency or urinary urgency incontinence episodes per 24 hours, or the mean volume voided per micturition, which were secondary end points. Statistically significant differences for tolterodine vs placebo were observed in the change from baseline in the number of micturitions (p = 0.045), urgency episodes (p = 0.04) and mean volume voided per micturition (p <0.001). The incidence of adverse events was 54.1% in the placebo group, 43.0% to 54.0% in the ONO-8539 groups and 46.6% in the tolterodine group. The intensity of adverse events was similar among the treatment groups. Similar to other treatments, the most frequently reported adverse events after ONO-8539 were nasopharyngitis and diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study, which to our knowledge represents the first evaluation of ONO-8539 in patients with overactive bladder, suggest a minimal role for EP1 receptor antagonism in the management of overactive bladder syndrome.

DNA methylation of HOXA10 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium.

STUDY QUESTION: Does the methylation status of the promoter region of the HOXA10 gene differ in eutopic and ectopic endometrium? SUMMARY ANSWER: The eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis is significantly more methylated when compared with controls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Expression of the HOXA10 gene, which is important for successful implantation, is reduced in women affected by endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION: A pilot study was carried out including 18 women admitted for surgery for endometriosis-related pain (cases) and 12 women admitted for surgery because of non-endometriotic disease (control). Sample collection and analysis were performed between November 2010 and July 2013. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Endometrial tissue (eutopic and ectopic) underwent sodium bisulfite DNA modification, PCR amplification of two regions of the HOXA10 promoter and pyrosequencing analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis was significantly more methylated compared with endometrium from the control group (sequence 1: 8.68% in cases and 6.25% in the control group: P = 0.037, sequence 2: 11.89% in cases and 9.25% in the control group: P = 0.032). The eutopic endometrium was significantly more methylated than the ectopic tissue in patients with endometriosis (mean difference -3.6 sequence 1: P = 0.001 and -6.0 sequence 2: P = 0.0001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The study had a limited sample size and the fertility status of the majority of patients in our study was unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our data regarding methylation state of the ectopic tissues contribute to a better etiopathologic understanding of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No external funding was either sought or obtained for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interests to declare.

The class Ib ribonucleotide reductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has two active R2F subunits.

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the reduction of ribonucleotides to their corresponding deoxyribonucleotides, playing a crucial role in DNA repair and replication in all living organisms. Class Ib RNRs require either a diiron-tyrosyl radical (Y·) or a dimanganese-Y· cofactor in their R2F subunit to initiate ribonucleotide reduction in the R1 subunit. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, contains two genes, nrdF1 and nrdF2, encoding the small subunits R2F-1 and R2F-2, respectively, where the latter has been thought to serve as the only active small subunit in the M. tuberculosis class Ib RNR. Here, we present evidence for the presence of an active Fe 2 (III) -Y· cofactor in the M. tuberculosis RNR R2F-1 small subunit, supported and characterized by UV-vis, X-band electron paramagnetic resonance, and resonance Raman spectroscopy, showing features similar to those for the M. tuberculosis R2F-2-Fe 2 (III) -Y· cofactor. We also report enzymatic activity of Fe 2 (III) -R2F-1 when assayed with R1, and suggest that the active M. tuberculosis class Ib RNR can use two different small subunits, R2F-1 and R2F-2, with similar activity.

Mechanisms of penile erection and basis for pharmacological treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Erection is basically a spinal reflex that can be initiated by recruitment of penile afferents, both autonomic and somatic, and supraspinal influences from visual, olfactory, and imaginary stimuli. Several central transmitters are involved in the erectile control. Dopamine, acetylcholine, nitric oxide (NO), and peptides, such as oxytocin and adrenocorticotropin/α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, have a facilitatory role, whereas serotonin may be either facilitatory or inhibitory, and enkephalins are inhibitory. The balance between contractant and relaxant factors controls the degree of contraction of the smooth muscle of the corpora cavernosa (CC) and determines the functional state of the penis. Noradrenaline contracts both CC and penile vessels via stimulation of α1-adrenoceptors. Neurogenic NO is considered the most important factor for relaxation of penile vessels and CC. The role of other mediators, released from nerves or endothelium, has not been definitely established. Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the "inability to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for sexual satisfaction," may have multiple causes and can be classified as psychogenic, vasculogenic or organic, neurologic, and endocrinologic. Many patients with ED respond well to the pharmacological treatments that are currently available, but there are still groups of patients in whom the response is unsatisfactory. The drugs used are able to substitute, partially or completely, the malfunctioning endogenous mechanisms that control penile erection. Most drugs have a direct action on penile tissue facilitating penile smooth muscle relaxation, including oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors and intracavernosal injections of prostaglandin E1. Irrespective of the underlying cause, these drugs are effective in the majority of cases. Drugs with a central site of action have so far not been very successful. There is a need for therapeutic alternatives. This requires identification of new therapeutic targets and design of new approaches. Research in the field is expanding, and several promising new targets for future drugs have been identified.

Effects of socialising piglets on sow and piglet performance and behaviour of entire male piglets.

Entire male pigs show more aggressive behaviour and mounting than female pigs. By sorting growing pigs into male and female pens, at least half of the pigs are protected from the aggressive behaviour and mounting of the entire males. Mixing of unknown pigs provokes them to perform such behaviours which increase the risk for injuries. The idea behind socialising piglets is to create groups of piglets from several litters that become familiar with each other and thus show less aggressive behaviour and mounting later, when housed together after weaning. The effect of socialising piglets on animal welfare was studied on 24 sows and their 235 piglets. Male piglets were not castrated. Sows were housed in individual farrowing pens without crates. A small door was opened between two adjacent pens at a piglet age of two weeks for half of the litters (12 litters), and the other half was regarded as a control (12 litters). At weaning, control piglets were kept in groups of eight litter mates whereas socialised piglets were kept in groups of either eight entire males or eight females from two litters. Sow weight, body condition and health were recorded together with nursing events and social behaviour of piglets (aggressive, mounting, contact). There was no effect of socialisation on udder lesions or sows' relative change in body reserves. Socialised and control piglets did not differ in daily weight gain before weaning, but socialised piglets tended to have higher growth rate during the week after weaning (P = 0.07). The day after opening between pens, skin lesions were more common among socialised piglets (as compared to control piglets at the same age, P = 0.02) but at weaning, skin lesions were more common among control piglets than socialised piglets (P = 0.01). Almost all lesions were mild. No aggressive behaviour of sows towards piglets was observed. No difference between control and socialised piglets in social behaviour was seen before weaning. The frequency of aggressive and mounting behaviours was low after weaning for both socialised and control piglets, but socialised piglets showed more contact behaviour (P = 0.02). Socialised entire males showed as little aggressive and mounting behaviour as females. Nursing frequency was not affected by piglet socialisation and cross-suckling was rare. Based on the performance of piglets and sows, nursing frequency, and health of piglets and sows, we conclude that socialising entire male piglets (and their sisters) improve piglet welfare without any negative effect on the sows.

Skin sympathetic nerve activity in symptomatic and asymptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The causes of symptoms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to correlate the magnitudes of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) with symptoms in patients with AF. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF for ambulatory electrocardiography and SKNA recording. Heart rhythms at the time of symptoms were categorized as AF or normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Maximal and average skin sympathetic nerve activity (aSKNA) and heart rate (HR) were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic AF and NSR episodes using mixed effects models to account for within-patient correlations. RESULTS: Among the 31 enrolled patients, 16 (52%) had at least 1 episode of AF, and 24 (77%) endorsed symptoms during the monitoring period. Compared with asymptomatic AF episodes, symptomatic AF episodes had higher maximal aSKNA (1.260 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.114-1.723] µV vs 1.108 [IQR 0.974-1.312] µV; P <0.001) and higher maximal HR (152 ± 24 bpm vs 132 ± 19 bpm; P <.001). Symptomatic NSR episodes were associated with higher maximal aSKNA (1.612 [IQR 1.287-2.027] µV vs 1.332 [IQR 1.033-1.668] µV; P = .001) and higher maximal HR (152 ± 24 bpm vs 105 ± 16 bpm; P <.001) than asymptomatic NSR episodes. Of the symptomatic episodes, 66 (73%) occurred during NSR and 24 (27%) during AF. All P values were obtained from mixed effects models. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic episodes in patients with paroxysmal AF were more frequently associated with NSR than AF. Symptomatic AF and NSR episodes were associated with higher aSKNA than asymptomatic episodes. In patients with paroxysmal AF, symptoms correlate better with SKNA than heart rhythm.

Sympathetic toggled paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and recurrent premature atrial contractions in ambulatory patients.

BACKGROUND: Autonomic nerve activity is important in the mechanisms of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a single burst of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) can toggle on and off PAF or premature atrial contraction (PAC) clusters. METHODS: Simultaneous recording of SKNA and electrocardiogram (neuECG) recording was performed over 7 days in patients with PAF. RESULTS: In study 1, 8 patients (7 men and 1 woman; age 62 ± 8 years) had 124 episodes of PAF. An SKNA burst toggled both on and off PAF in 8 episodes (6.5%) (type 1), toggled on but not off in 12 episodes (9.7%) (type 2), and toggled on a PAC cluster followed by PAF in 4 episodes (3.2%) (type 3). The duration of these PAF episodes was <10 minutes. The remaining 100 episodes (80.6%) were associated with active SKNA bursts throughout PAF (type 4) and lasted longer than type 1 (P = .0185) and type 2 (P = .0027) PAF. There were 47 PAC clusters. Among them, 24 (51.1%) were toggled on and off, and 23 (48.9%) were toggled on but not off by an SKNA burst. In study 2, 17 patients (9 men and 8 women; age 58 ± 12 years) had <10 minutes of PAF (4, 8, 0, and 31 of types 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). There were significant circadian variations of all types of PAF. CONCLUSION: A single SKNA burst can toggle short-duration PAF and PAC cluster episodes on and off. The absence of continued SKNA after the onset might have affected the maintenance of these arrhythmias.