An enzymatic cow immunity-targeted approach to reducing milk somatic cell count: 3. A comparative field trial

The effectiveness of lysosubtilin and lysozyme, a combination thereof and a combination of these enzyme preparations (each alone and in combination) with vitamins as possible coimmunostimulants, which reduced the milk somatic cell count (SCC), were compared in a field trial. Seventy second to third lactation Lithuanian Black and White cows with a similar milk SCC ([750±200]×10³?cells?ml^?1) and of a similar weight (550±50?kg) were involved in the trial and were randomly allocated into seven groups (n=10). Lysosubtilin and/or lysozyme at doses of 0.02?g?kg?wt^?1 and 0.2?g?kg?wt^?1, respectively, and vitamins A, C and E (if any) at doses twice as high as required for nutritional adequacy were given, except for control group cows, once daily with feed for ten successive days. After four-, seven-, and ten-day periods of giving enzymes (with or without vitamins) a significant reduction of SCC (p<0.001) was observed in the milk of cows that received a combination of lysozyme with vitamins. On the tenth day a significant reduction of SCC (p<0.001) was also observed in the milk of cows that received lysozyme and lysosubtilin (each alone; without vitamins) or lysosubtilin in combination with vitamins. At the end of the trial (on the 15th day) SCC in milk of cows of all of the study groups was significantly lower (p<0.001) when compared with that of the control group.     

Robotic surgery using Senhance® robotic platform: single center experience with first 100 cases

Journal of Robotic Surgery - Until recently, robotic surgery has been associated only with the da Vinci robotic system. A novel Senhance® robotic system (TransEnterix Surgical Inc.,...     

Bio-Based Crosslinked Polymers Synthesized from Functionalized Soybean Oil and Squalene by Thiol–Ene UV Curing

The development of polymers photopolymerized from renewable resources are extensively growing as fulfills green chemistry and green engineering principles. With the rapid growth of consumerism, research on innovative starting materials for the preparation of polymers may help to reduce the negative impact of petroleum-based plastic materials on the global ecosystem and on animal and human health. Therefore, bio-based crosslinked polymers have been synthesized from functionalized soybean oil and squalene by thiol–ene ultra-violet (UV) curing. First, thiol–ene UV curing of squalene was performed to introduce thiol functional groups. Then, hexathiolated squalene was used as a crosslinker in click UV curing of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil. Two photoinitiators, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone and ethylphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphinate, were tested in different quantities. Rheological properties of the resins were monitored by real-time photorheometry. The characterization of obtained polymers was performed by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and Shore A hardness measurements. Polymers possessed higher storage modulus, thermal characteristics, Shore A hardness, and lower swelling value when ethylphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphinate was used as photoinitiator.     

‘Low — T3 syndrome’ among patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Recent clinical studies have found that cardiovascular incidents are sufficient triggers to affect HPA hypothalamic-pituitarythyroid axis and cause a decrease in the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3). This phenomenon is so called ‘Low — triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome’ and is related to changes in heart remodeling. However, the pathophysiology of Low—T3 syndrome remains unclear. The present systemic literature review was designed to organize the latest scientific papers and is seeking to draw evidence-based conclusions regarding clinical aspects of the topic.

Methods

Accessible scientific databases were analyzed using key words to obtain scientific papers regarding the field of interest. Research findings were assessed and compared between studies in order to find out clinical impact of thyroid hormone and heart function following acute myocardial injury.

Results

Different studies indicate that the presence of Low-T3 syndrome after myocardial infarction is a strong predicting factor of patient morbidity and mortality. Some researchers believe that the decrease in T3 concentrations might be a compensatory reaction of the body in order to suppress cellular metabolism during tissue damage. On the other hand, a limited number of recent experimental and clinical investigations have shown positive response to treatment with thyroid hormone.

Conclusion

Deeper analysis is needed to understand the pathophysiology of Low-T3 syndrome and possibilities of its use for treatment.