•Viable motile sperm can sometimes be found in pre-ejaculate fluid.•This has forensic relevance in sexual assault cases.•Other discriminatory forensic science tests may be needed.
Much has been ...written about the presence or absence of spermatozoa in pre-ejaculate fluid (PEF). Published studies only have a small number of participants; their results are conflicting, may be inaccurate and findings have not reached statistical significance. There are potential methodical issues. However, upon review, the possibility exists that PEF may sometimes contain viable spermatozoa. Additional forensic science differentiation may be required to determine whether or not any spermatozoa found on a swab/stain originate from PEF or ejaculate. This may have implications for sexual assault cases.
Oligodendrocytes are the myelin-forming cells of the CNS. They differentiate from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) that are produced from progenitors throughout life but more actively during ...the neonatal period and in response to demyelinating insults. An accurate regulation of oligodendrogenesis is required to generate oligodendrocytes during these developmental or repair processes. We hypothesized that this regulation implicates transcription factors, which are expressed by OPCs and/or their progenitors. Ascl1/Mash1 is a proneural transcription factor previously implicated in embryonic oligodendrogenesis and operating in genetic interaction with Olig2, an essential transcriptional regulator in oligodendrocyte development. Herein, we have investigated the contribution of Ascl1 to oligodendrocyte development and remyelination in the postnatal cortex. During the neonatal period, Ascl1 expression was detected in progenitors of the cortical subventricular zone and in cortical OPCs. Different genetic approaches to delete Ascl1 in cortical progenitors or OPCs reduced neonatal oligodendrogenesis, showing that Ascl1 positively regulated both OPC specification from subventricular zone progenitors as well as the balance between OPC differentiation and proliferation. Examination of remyelination processes, both in the mouse model for focal demyelination of the corpus callosum and in multiple sclerosis lesions in humans, indicated that Ascl1 activity was upregulated along with increased oligodendrogenesis observed in remyelinating lesions. Additional genetic evidence indicated that remyelinating oligodendrocytes derived from Ascl1(+) progenitors/OPCs and that Ascl1 was required for proper remyelination. Together, our results show that Ascl1 function modulates multiple steps of OPC development in the postnatal brain and in response to demyelinating insults.
This case series describes the clinical and pathological findings of intracranial neoplasms in cattle, a rare entity. Data and archived tissues from 24 intracranial tumors were reviewed and ...investigated by immunohistochemistry for S100, glial fibrillary acidic protein, synaptophysin, pancytokeratin, vimentin, neuron-specific enolase, oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1. Ages of affected cattle ranged from 6 months to 14 years (5.7 ± 3.6 years; mean ± SD). Predominant clinical signs were altered mental state, central vestibular dysfunction, and cerebellar incoordination. Twelve gliomas, all high grade, were the most common tumors observed: oligodendrogliomas (n = 6), astrocytomas (n = 4), and undefined gliomas (n = 2). The oligodendrogliomas were located in the brainstem and extended into the ventricles, whereas all astrocytomas were located in the forebrain. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene mutation as described in humans was not detected. The 5 meningiomas exhibited microcystic, chordoid, atypical, papillary, and anaplastic subtypes. Metastatic carcinomas (n = 4) were the only secondary tumor type present, and these were located at the level of the medulla with infiltration of cranial nerves and in one case leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. In addition, 2 medulloblastomas and 1 choroid plexus carcinoma were diagnosed. Immunohistochemistry for vimentin and pancytokeratin was particularly useful to distinguish meningiomas and choroid plexus carcinoma (positive for vimentin only) from mestastatic carcinomas (positive for cytokeratin only) as all showed a papillary growth pattern. Overall, the morphological features were comparable with other species and the human and canine classifications could be applied.
Genomic analysis of a diverse collection of Clostridioides difficile ribotype 078 isolates from Ireland and 9 countries in Europe provided evidence for complex regional and international patterns of ...dissemination that are not restricted to humans. These isolates are associated with C. difficile colonization and clinical illness in humans and pigs.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, ODKLJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Pooling colostrum is commonly practiced on Irish dairy farms. Pooling can result in dilution when colostrums with high and low IgG concentrations are mixed, thereby predisposing calves to failure of ...passive immunity. The objectives of this study were to compare IgG concentrations in colostrum from individual cows with colostrum pooled from several cows, and assess serum IgG concentrations, morbidity, and mortality among calves fed colostrum from their own dam, from a different cow, or pooled from several cows. We hypothesized that pooling colostrum reduces IgG concentration due to dilution compared with colostrum from individual cows, and that calves fed pooled colostrum achieve lower serum IgG concentrations than calves fed colostrum from individual cows. Calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) fed colostrum from their own dam (n = 20); (2) fed colostrum from a different dam (n = 20); or (3) fed pooled colostrum (n = 18). A sample of colostrum fed to each calf was collected. Serum samples were collected from calves at birth (0 h) and at 24 h after colostrum feeding. Colostrum and serum IgG concentrations were measured by radial immunodiffusion. Calves were weighed at birth and at weaning, and the health status of each calf was assessed twice daily. Health assessment was based on general demeanor, rectal temperature, fecal consistency, respiratory rate, and the presence of cough, nasal, or ocular discharge. Colostrum and serum IgG concentrations, and weaning weights were compared using ANOVA. Associations between group and morbidity or mortality rates were compared using χ2 or Fisher's exact tests. Median and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of IgG concentrations of colostrum were 99.4 (81.8–111.5), 95.2 (84.1–107.2), and 100.7 (90.5–104.4) g/L for own dam, different dam, and pooled groups, respectively. We did not find any differences in colostrum IgG concentrations among the colostrum sources. Median (95% CI) serum IgG concentrations at 24 h were 52.0 (45.6–65.9), 55.7 (51.2–65.9), and 53.1 (46.2–63.7) g/L for calves that received colostrum from own dam, different dam, and pooled, respectively. All calves achieved adequate passive immunity. Serum IgG concentrations at 24 h, weaning weights, and proportions of morbidity and mortality were not different among the 3 groups. Our results suggest that on dairy farms where median colostrum IgG concentrations are high and colostrum management is optimal, pooling has a minimal effect on passive immunity and subsequent calf health.
Transition milk is a source of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and could potentially be used to provide calves with passive immunity, when the IgG concentration is ≥50 g/L. Assessment of IgG concentrations in ...transition milk would be required before feeding and could be conducted using cow-side tests such as refractometers. Currently, limited information is available on the ability of refractometers to assess transition milk quality. We hypothesized that digital refractometry could be used to provide an accurate cow-side assessment of IgG concentrations in colostrum and transition milk, and IgG concentration in colostrum and one or more transition milking in an Irish herd is >50 g/L. The objectives of this study were to determine the IgG concentrations in colostrum and first, second, third, fourth, and fifth transition milk, and determine the utility of a digital refractometer in assessing quality of colostrum and transition milk produced by cows in a pasture-based dairy production system. A convenient sample of 75 dairy cows were enrolled. Colostrum and transition milk IgG concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion and refractometry. Sensitivity and specificity of the refractometer were determined and cut-off points that maximized sensitivity and specificity were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Median (range) IgG concentrations in colostrum and first, second, third, fourth, and fifth milking were 99.6, 43.5, 12.5, 5.3, 1.9, and 1.8 g/L, respectively. The sensitivity (0.8–1) of digital refractometry in identifying samples with low IgG concentrations in colostrum, first, second, and third transition milk was acceptable. In contrast, digital refractometry was not useful for assessing IgG concentrations in the fourth and fifth milking due to low IgG concentrations.
Background
Nonantibiotic alternatives providing local gut immunity have been recommended for managing calf diarrhea.
Animals
One hundred and two calves with diarrhea.
Hypothesis
Oral supplementation ...with immunoglobulins in calves with diarrhea will reduce time to resolution of diarrhea, number of treatment events, and mortality rate.
Methods
Randomized controlled trial. Calves were assigned into 1 of 3 groups. The treatment group was supplemented with 20 g of immunoglobulins in milk twice daily for 14 days. The placebo group was supplemented with 20 g of a product with similar nutritional value as the treatment group, but without immunoglobulins, in milk, twice daily for 14 days. The control group received no supplements. Medical treatments, time to resolution of diarrhea, and case fatality rates were compared.
Results
There was no difference in the proportion of treatment events (treatment, 79% versus placebo, 77% versus control, 71%) among groups (P = .69). The median time to resolution of diarrhea was not different between the treatment (10.5 days; 95% confidence interval CI, 7, 13) and control (8 days; 95% CI, 5, 10) groups (P = .08) or between the placebo (6.5 days; 95% CI, 3, 9) and control groups (P = .89). Median time to resolution was shorter (P = .008) in the placebo compared to the treatment group (6.5 versus 10.5 days). Case fatality rates among groups (treatment, 12% versus placebo, 3% versus control, 3%) were not different (P = .36).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Expected benefits of conferring local gut immunity by immunoglobulin supplementation in calves with diarrhea were not evident.
Abstract
Objective
Children with very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) represent a distinct group of patients with IBD with unique phenotypic and genetic characteristics; however, ...they are frequently omitted from psychosocial research. This study used a novel, brief measure of pediatric global health to assess (1) overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with VEO-IBD, (2) HRQOL compared to healthy children, and (3) whether gastrointestinal symptoms account for the differences in HRQOL between these groups.
Methods
Caregivers of 51 children with VEO-IBD (Mage = 4.26 years, 75% male) and 54 healthy children (Mage = 3.50 years, 54% male) completed the PROMIS Pediatric Global Health Scale (PGH-7) parent-proxy form to assess HRQOL and a questionnaire assessing gastrointestinal symptoms. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance with covariates (ANCOVA), and meditation analyses with bootstrapping were conducted.
Results
Caregivers of children with VEO-IBD rated their HRQOL as relatively positive, although children with greater disease yielded lower ratings on some PGH-7 items (e.g., fun with friends, physical health, sadness). Compared to healthy youth, children with VEO-IBD scored lower on the PGH-7, with significantly lower item-level scores on overall health, physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Gastrointestinal symptoms mediated the association between health status (i.e., VEO-IBD vs. healthy) and HRQOL, αβ = −2.84, 95% CI = −5.70, −0.34.
Conclusions
While some children with VEO-IBD are at risk for deficits in HRQOL, many are quite resilient. Psychosocial screening is necessary for providing appropriate referrals to behavioral health services and learning more about psychosocial adjustment in children with VEO-IBD.
Summary
Background
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for actinic keratosis (AK), particularly for patients with large areas of field cancerization. Among the approved protocols in ...Europe, the most widely used requires irradiation with the Aktilite CL 128 lamp. However, pain during irradiation and the suboptimal adaptability of the lamp relative to the treatment area are two limiting factors of this protocol. To overcome these limits, a new protocol (referred to as the Flexitheralight protocol) involving irradiation with a light‐emitting, fabric‐based device was developed.
Objectives
This paper aims to assess the noninferiority, in terms of PDT efficacy for treating AK, of the Flexitheralight protocol compared with the conventional protocol, which requires irradiation with the Aktilite CL 128 lamp.
Methods
A monocentric, randomized, controlled, phase II clinical study was performed. Twenty‐five patients with grade I–II AKs of the forehead and scalp were treated with methyl aminolaevulinate PDT in two symmetrical areas. One area was treated with the conventional protocol (n = 154 AKs), whereas the other area was treated with the Flexitheralight protocol (n = 156 AKs). The primary end‐point was the lesion complete response (CR) rate at 3 months (an absolute noninferiority margin of –10% was used). The secondary end‐points included patient‐reported pain at the end of the irradiation.
Results
At 3 months, the lesion CR rate with the Flexitheralight protocol was noninferior to that obtained with the conventional protocol (66·0% vs. 59·1%, respectively; absolute difference, 6·9%; 95% confidence interval –0·6% to 14·5%). Patient‐reported pain was significantly lower with the Flexitheralight protocol than with the conventional protocol (mean ± SD: 0·4 ± 0·6 vs. 5·0 ± 2·6; P < 0·0001).
Conclusions
The Flexitheralight protocol is noninferior in terms of efficacy and superior in terms of tolerability to the conventional protocol for treating AKs of the forehead and scalp.
What's already known about this topic?
Methyl aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective and noninvasive treatment for actinic keratosis (AK).
Treatment‐associated pain is frequently experienced by patients treated with the conventional protocol, which requires irradiation with the Aktilite CL 128 lamp.
PDT using daylight as the activating light source has been confirmed as equally effective and less painful than the conventional protocol, but it cannot be performed in all weather conditions.
What does this study add?
This study demonstrates that the Flexitheralight protocol, which can be performed in all weather conditions, is equally effective as the conventional PDT protocol for AK and is a less painful technique.
Linked Comment: Morton. Br J Dermatol 2019; 180:703–704.
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