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The scope for using sunflower cake in ration formulation was tested in 6 horses employed for equine tourism. Three experimental diets providing the same amount of proteins and energy as the control diet were formulated using rising doses of sunflower cake (SD3: 0.3 kg; SD6: 0.6 kg and SD10: 1.0 kg). Digestibility evaluation using internal markers showed that rising sunflower cake doses reduced digestibility of nutrients. Statistical analysis using the diet effect demonstrated a significant reduction in dry matter (DM) (P=0.0006), ether extract (EE) (P=0.0001), crude fibre (CP) (P=0.0279), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P=0.0247) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (P=0.0269) digestibility. Comparison of the two internal markers acid insoluble ash (AIA) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) showed better digestibility values for all measures using ADL. Also glucose and urea showed statistical differences due to diet effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated cross-sectionally whether the type 2 diabetes (T2DM) risk alleles of rs1801282 ( PPARG2) and rs4607103 ( ADAMTS9) were associated with T2DM and/or insulin sensitivity (IS) and beta cell function (βF) in Italians without and with newly diagnosed T2DM. In 676 nondiabetic subjects (336 NGR and 340 IGR) from the GENFIEV study and in 597 patients from the Verona Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Study (VNDS), we (1) genotyped rs1801282 and rs4607103, (2) assessed βF by C-peptide/glucose modeling after OGTT, and (3) assessed IS by HOMA-IR in both studies and by euglycemic insulin clamp in VNDS only. Logistic, linear, and two-stage least squares regression analyses were used to test (a) genetic associations with T2DM and with pathophysiological phenotypes, (b) causal relationships of the latter ones with T2DM by a Mendelian randomization design. Both SNPs were associated with T2DM. The rs4607103 risk allele was associated to impaired βF ( p < 0.01) in the GENFIEV study and in both cohorts combined. The rs1801282 genotype was associated with IS both in the GENFIEV study ( p < 0.03) and in the VNDS ( p < 0.03), whereas rs4607103 did so in the VNDS only ( p = 0.01). In a Mendelian randomization design, both HOMA-IR (instrumental variables: rs1801282, rs4607103) and βF (instrumental variable: rs4607103) were related to T2DM ( p < 0.03-0.01 and p < 0.03, respectively). PPARG2 and ADAMTS9 variants are both associated with T2DM and with insulin resistance, whereas only ADAMTS9 may be related to βF. Thus, at least in Italians, they may be considered bona fide 'insulin resistance genes'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In genome-wide association studies, performed mostly in nondiabetic individuals, genetic variability of glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) affects type 2 diabetes-related phenotypes, kidney function, and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We tested whether GCKR variability affects type 2 diabetes or kidney-related phenotypes in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.Research Design and Methods: In 509 GAD-negative patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, we 1) genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms in GCKR genomic region: rs6717980, rs1049817, rs6547626, rs780094, rs2384628, and rs8731; 2) assessed clinical phenotypes, insulin sensitivity by the euglycemic insulin clamp, and β-cell function by state-of-the-art modeling of glucose/C-peptide curves during an oral glucose tolerance test; and 3) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula.Results: The major alleles of rs6717980 and rs2384628 were associated with reduced β-cell function (P < 0.05), with mutual additive effects of each variant (P < 0.01). The minor alleles of rs1049817 and rs6547626 and the major allele of rs780094 were associated with reduced eGFR according to a recessive model (P < 0.03), but with no mutual additive effects of the variants. Additional associations were found between rs780094 and 2-h plasma glucose (P < 0.05) and rs8731 and insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) and triglycerides (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Our findings are compatible with the idea that GCKR variability may play a pathogenetic role in both type 2 diabetes and CKD. Genotyping GCKR in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes might help in identifying patients at high risk for metabolic derangements or CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic liver steatosis is associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of this condition in type 2 diabetes is estimated to be between 28 and 55%. Non-alcoholic liver steatosis is not a benign disease because of its potential progression to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer. The Verona diabetes study, a population-based observational study, on 7148 type 2 diabetic patients after 5 years of follow-up has reported an increased risk of death from gastrointestinal diseases, particularly from chronic liver cirrhosis. Moreover, in the same population after 10 years of follow-up a higher risk of mortality from liver cancer was observed and this risk increased significantly in obese patients (body mass index >30 kg/m2). Of note is that obese diabetic patients suffer an even higher prevalence of non-alcoholic liver steatosis. In conclusion, the Verona diabetes study showed an increased risk of mortality from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in type 2 diabetic patients. Diverse pathophysiological mechanisms can be responsible, i.e. higher alcohol consumption, hepatitis and others but, considering the high prevalence of non-alcoholic liver steatosis in these patients, it is plausible to hypothesize that non-alcoholic liver steatosis may play a significant role in predisposing the liver of diabetics to chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change memory cells composed of nanocrystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 with a heater diameter of 10 nm and Ge2Sb2Te5 thickness of 100 nm are studied by using two-dimensional finite element simulations with COMSOL Multiphysics. The nanocrystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 is emulated by using a mesh-based model incorporating crystalline grains of random size and location embedded in the amorphous media. The material parameters are modelled with temperature dependency from 300 to 1000 K, including electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, electric field breakdown and Seebeck coefficient. This model is shown to capture the cycle-to-cycle and device-to-device variability in phase change memory cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change memory cells composed of nanocrystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 with a heater diameter of 10 nm and Ge2Sb2Te5 thickness of 100 nm are studied by using two‐dimensional finite element simulations with COMSOL Multiphysics. The nanocrystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 is emulated by using a mesh‐based model incorporating crystalline grains of random size and location embedded in the amorphous media. The material parameters are modelled with temperature dependency from 300 to 1000 K, including electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, electric field breakdown and Seebeck coefficient. This model is shown to capture the cycle‐to‐cycle and device‐to‐device variability in phase change memory cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To assess the association between circulating levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity concentrations in Type 1 diabetic subjects. Methods Plasma concentrations of sCD40L and GGT activity, a marker of liver dysfunction, were measured in 54 non-smoking, non-drinking, young Type 1 diabetic patients, who were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease. Results When participants were grouped according to tertiles of GGT, plasma sCD40L concentrations steadily increased across GGT tertiles ( P = 0.007 for trend). Similarly, plasma sCD40L concentrations were positively correlated with plasma GGT levels in the whole group of participants ( r = 0.532; P < 0.0001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, plasma GGT activity levels were positively associated with sCD40L (standardized beta coefficient = 0.342; P = 0.027) independently of age, gender, diabetes duration, glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. Further adjustment for the presence of diabetic retinopathy and microalbuminuria did not appreciably attenuate this association. Conclusions Our findings suggest that there is a strong, graded, relationship between plasma GGT activity and sCD40L concentrations in non-smoking, non-drinking, young Type 1 diabetic individuals. This association appears to be independent of numerous confounding factors. Further studies are required to confirm the reproducibility of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The profile of insulin secretion and the role of proinsulin processing across the spectrum of glucose tolerance in obese youth have not been studied. The aims of this study were to define the role of insulin secretion and proinsulin processing in glucose regulation in obese youth. We performed hyperglycemic clamps to assess insulin secretion, applying a model of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion to the glucose and C-peptide concentration data. Thirty obese youth with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 22 with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 10 with type 2 diabetes were studied. The three groups had comparable anthropometric measures and insulin sensitivity. The glucose sensitivity of first-phase secretion showed a significant stepwise decline from NGT to IGT and from IGT to type 2 diabetes. The glucose sensitivity of second-phase secretion was similar in NGT and IGT subjects yet was significantly lower in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Proinsulin-to-insulin ratios were comparable during first- and second-phase secretion between subjects with NGT and IGT and were significantly increased in type 2 diabetes. Obese youth with IGT have a significant defect in first-phase insulin secretion, while a defect in second-phase secretion and proinsulin processing is specific for type 2 diabetes in this age-group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the hurdles to the development of new anticancer therapies is the lack of in vitro models which faithfully reproduce the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the dynamic relationships between the components of the TME in a controllable, scalable, and reliable setting would indeed support the discovery of biological targets impacting cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cancer research is increasingly shifting from traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture toward three-dimensional (3D) culture models, which have been demonstrated to increase the significance and predictive value of in vitro data. In this scenario, microphysiological systems (also known as organs-on-chip) have emerged as a relevant technological platform enabling more predictive investigation of cell-cell and cell-ECM interplay in cancer, attracting a significant research effort in the last years. This review illustrates one decade of progress in the field of tumor-microenvironment-on-chip (TMOC) approaches, exploiting either cell-laden microfluidic chambers or microfluidic confined tumor spheroids to model the TME. TMOCs have been designed to recapitulate several aspects of the TME, including tumor cells, the tumor-associated stroma, the immune system, and the vascular component. Significantly, the last aspect has emerged for its pivotal role in orchestrating cellular interactions and modulating drug pharmacokinetics on-chip. A further advancement has been represented by integration of TMOCs into multi-organ microphysiological systems, with the final aim to follow the metastatic cascade to target organs and to study the effects of chemotherapies at a systemic level. We highlight that the increased degree of complexity achieved by the most advanced TMOC models has enabled scientists to shed new light on the role of microenvironmental factors in tumor progression, metastatic cascade, and response to drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion (CIPII) with implantable pump has been employed for almost 30 years as an alternative route for insulin delivery when SC insulin therapy has failed [[1]]. To avoid new skin reactions and areas of lipoatrophy, the patient changed the insulin infusion site very frequently, but this was not sufficient to achieve a good diabetes management. Throughout the 4 years of insulin pump therapy, it was not possible to achieve a good blood glucose control because of SC site issues and indurations in the sites surrounding insulin injection. 1 Area of lipoatrophy on arm induced by subcutaneous insulin injection (a) and skin reactions at different CSII infusion set sites (b, c). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: The ecosystem services (ES) approach is a framework for describing the benefits of nature to human well‐being, and this has become a popular instrument for assessment and evaluation of ecosystems and their functions. Grazing lands can provide a wide array of ES that depend on their management practices and intensity. This article reviews the trends and approaches used in the analysis of some relevant ES provided by grazing systems, in line with the framework principles of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA). The scientific literature provides reports of many studies on ES in general, but the search here focused on grazing systems, which returned only sixty‐two papers. This review of published papers highlights that: (i) in some papers, the concept of ES as defined by the MA is misunderstood (e.g., lack of anthropocentric vision); (ii) 34% of the papers dealt only with one ES, which neglects the need for the multisectoral approach suggested by the MA; (iii) few papers included stakeholder involvement to improve local decision‐making processes; (iv) cultural ES have been poorly studied despite being considered the most relevant for local and general stakeholders; and (v) stakeholder awareness of well‐being as provided by ES in grazing systems can foster both agri‐environmental schemes and the willingness to pay for these services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To assess the influence of health locus of control and fear of hypoglycaemia on metabolic control and treatment satisfaction in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Methods People with Type 1 diabetes on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for at least 1 year, sub-classified as an 'acceptable glucose control' group [HbA1c ≤ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%)] and a 'suboptimum glucose control' group [HbA1c > 58 mmol/mol (7.5%)], were consecutively enrolled in a multicentre cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were administered to assess health locus of control [Multidimensional Health Locus of Control ( MHLC) scale, with internal and external subscales], fear of hypoglycaemia [Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey II ( HFS- II)] and treatment satisfaction [Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire ( DTSQ)]. Results We enrolled 214 participants (mean ± sd age 43.4 ± 12.1 years). The suboptimum glucose control group ( n = 127) had lower mean ± sd internal MHLC and DTSQ scores than the acceptable glucose control group (19.6 ± 5.2 vs 21.0 ± 5.0, P = 0.04 and 28.8 ± 4.8 vs 30.9 ± 4.5, P < 0.001). HFS- II scores did not differ between the two groups. Internal MHLC score was negatively associated with HbA1c ( r = −0.15, P < 0.05) and positively associated with the number of mild and severe hypoglycaemic episodes ( r = 0.16, P < 0.05 and r = 0.18, P < 0.001, respectively) and with DTSQ score ( r = 0.17, P < 0.05). HFS- II score was negatively associated with DTSQ score ( r = −0.18, P < 0.05) and positively with number of severe hypoglycaemic episodes ( r = 0.16, P < 0.5). Conclusions In adults with Type 1 diabetes receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, high internal locus represents the most important locus of control pattern for achieving good metabolic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, several molecular markers have been proposed to improve the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Among these, mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter have been correlated to malignant tumors, characterized by highest recurrence and decreased patients' survival. This suggests an important role of TERT mutational analysis in the clinical diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer patients. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the adequacy of core needle biopsy (CNB) for the preoperative assessment of TERT mutational status, to reach a more accurate definition of malignancy and a more appropriate surgical planning. Indeed, CNB is gaining momentum for improving diagnosis of thyroid nodules deemed inconclusive by fine needle aspirate (FNA). The study included 50 patients submitted to CNB due to inconclusive FNA report. TERT mutational status was correlated with BRAF mutation, definitive histology, and post-operative TNM staging of the neoplasia. C228T mutation of the TERT promoter was reported in 10 % of the papillary carcinomas (PTC) series. When compared with final histology, all cases harboring TERT mutation resulted as locally invasive PTCs. The prevalence of TERT mutated cases was 17.6 % among locally advanced PTCs. TERT analysis on CNB allows the assessment of the pathological population on paraffin sections before DNA isolation, minimizing the risk of false negatives due to poor sampling that affects FNA, and gathering aggregate information about morphology and TERT mutational status. Data indicating a worse outcome of the tumor might be used to individualize treatment decision, surgical option, and follow-up design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug eluting stents (DES) has been a major advance in treatment with over 600,000 stents deployed annually. In-stent restenosis occurs in up to 10% of patients and is often managed with repeat DES placement. However, when stent-in-stent restenosis (SISR) occurs, options remain limited, and one technique includes angioplasty followed by intravascular brachytherapy (IVBT). We undertook this study to review efficacy and safety of PCI followed by IVBT for patients experiencing SISR. We retrospectively reviewed 78 patients from 2016-2021 with SISR involving 91 vessels who received PCI with balloon angioplasty followed by IVBT. IVBT with a strontium-90 source was delivered via The Beta Cath® system (Novoste; Bes Vascular, Norcross, Ga, USA). The radiation dose delivered was 23Gy to vessels of ≥ 3.5mm in diameter, while 18.4 Gy was delivered to vessels of < 3.5 mm diameter. Radiation was prescribed to an area encompassing the angioplasty injury length with a 10mm longitudinal margin on each side. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) include myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and all-cause death. Target vessel revascularization (TVR) was defined as percutaneous or surgical revascularization of the previously treated vessel. Median age was 67 years. All patients had at least 2 drug-eluting stents previously placed in the affected vessel. Sixty-one treatments were delivered to the left anterior descending artery or the right coronary artery with the remaining 30 delivered to either to a circumflex vessel or marginal artery. Sixty-three percent received 23Gy while 37% received 18.4Gy. One patient experienced cardiac arrest while receiving intervention, but no other procedure-related toxicities were reported. Median follow up was 22.8 months (range 0.9-60.6). All patients were symptomatic prior to IVBT and 44% experienced symptomatic reduction after treatment. The most common persistent symptom was angina in 71% of those patients. MACE after IVBT include MI in 18%, stroke in 5% and all-cause death occurring in 16% at a median time of 9.3 months after treatment (range 0.9-29.6). Seventy-seven percent had patency of the irradiated lesion, while 23% percent experienced restenosis requiring TVR. PCI followed by IVBT is a safe and effective paradigm for patients with high-risk coronary artery disease experiencing SISR, who have few other treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xerostomia is a common side effect of ionizing radiation used to treat head and neck cancer. A groundbreaking Phase I human clinical trial using Adenoviral gene transfer of Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) to a single salivary gland of individuals suffering from radiation-induced xerostomia has recently been reported. Unfortunately, the limitations of the Adenoviral vector system used in this pioneering trial preclude its advancement to a Phase II trial, and we have thus undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ultrasound-assisted nonviral gene transfer (UAGT) as an alternative means of delivering AQP1 gene therapy to the salivary gland by comparing head-to-head with the canonical Adenoviral vector in a swine model. Swine irradiated unilaterally with a 10-Gy electron beam targeted at the parotid gland suffered from significant, sustained hyposalivation that was bilateral, despite irradiation being confined to the targeted gland. Unilateral AQP1 gene therapy with UAGT resulted in bilateral restoration of stimulated salivary flow at 48 h and 1 week post treatment (1.62±0.48 ml and 1.87±0.45 ml) to preinjury levels (1.34±0.14 ml) in a manner comparable to Adenoviral delivery (2.32±0.6 ml and 1.33±0.97 ml). UAGT can replace the Adenoviral vector as a means of delivering AQP1 gene therapy in the irradiated swine model, and it is a candidate for advancement to a Phase I human clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone tissue engineering applications demand for biomaterials offering a substrate for cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, while inferring suitable mechanical properties to the construct. In the present study, polyurethane (PU) foams were synthesized to develop a graded porous material—characterized by a dense shell and a porous core—for the treatment of oro-maxillary bone defects. Foam was synthesized via a one-pot reaction starting from a polyisocyanate and a biocompatible polyester diol, using water as a foaming agent. Different foaming conditions were examined, with the aim of creating a dense/porous functional graded material that would perform at the same time as an osteoconductive scaffold for bone defect regeneration and as a membrane-barrier to gingival tissue ingrowth. The obtained PU was characterized in terms of morphological and mechanical properties. Biocompatibility assessment was performed in combination with bone-marrow-derived human mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs). Our findings confirm that the material is potentially suitable for guided bone regeneration applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study used a PCR approach to characterize prevalence of coccidial species in fecal samples obtained from 40 individual Midwestern turkey flocks to characterize distribution of species in commercial flocks. Each sample was screened for 6 prominent Eimeria species using species-specific primers and was supplemented with a primary nested-PCR approach for amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit gene I where initial sample DNA concentrations were low. All samples were positive for at least one species of Eimeria , while most presented 2 (20/40) or 3 (14/40) species in total. Prevalence across farms was primarily dominated by E. meleagrimitis (97.50%), E. adenoeides (95%), and E. gallopavonis (40%). Of the samples positive for E. adenoeides and E. meleagrimitis , almost half (17/40) contained additional species. Data presented here offer insight into Eimeria species currently challenging the Midwestern US turkey industry and potential need to evaluate flocks for species prior to implementing vaccination programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface modification of implantable materials in order to improve their biological proprieties, including tissue tolerance and osseointegration ability, by means of functional coating deposition is a promising strategy to provide a firm fixation of the implants. In this study, organic/inorganic hybrid materials consisting of an inorganic zirconia-based matrix, in which a biocompatible polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), has been incorporated at different percentages, have been synthesized via sol–gel route. Developed materials have been used to coat titanium grade 4 substrates by means of dip coating technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the obtained coatings has shown that films crack-free can be obtained for high levels of PCL. Chemical composition and interactions between organic and inorganic moieties have been studied by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy. The bone-bonding capability of the nanocomposite films has been evaluated in vitro by examining the appearance of an apatite layer on their surface when soaked in a simulated body fluid by means of SEM equipped with EDS microanalysis. In vitro biocompatibility assessment was performed in combination with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). Materials were found to be non-toxic and supporting cell proliferation. Additionally, the coating material was not hampering the differentiation of hMSCs in an osteogenic medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A straightforward method for manufacturing stratified scaffolds with potential application in osteochondral tissue engineering is reported. The method integrates three different techniques widely used for scaffold fabrication: sponge replica method, freeze-drying and electrospinning. 45S5 Bioglass® was used for the fabrication of the rigid bioactive substrate intended to be in contact with bone tissue, chitosan and alginate based solutions were used for building the interface between the Bioglass®-based scaffold and the soft cartilage side of the construct. Finally a chitosan-based electrospun nanofibrous membrane was selected for the upper layer of the scaffold. In this design, the intermediate layer has multiple functions providing adherence between the other scaffold components, preventing delamination and acting as a soft coating for the rigid Bioglass® substrate. Morphological analysis, bioactivity tests in simulated body fluid (SBF), as well as mechanical and wettability tests were performed on all samples to assess the optimal stratified scaffold combination. The best results, in terms of resistance to layer delamination, preservation of the bioactivity and improvement of the mechanical properties, were obtained using a chitosan solution and the freeze gelation technique for fabrication of the intermediate layer. Key results are discussed in the context of the potential application of these novel scaffolds in osteochondral tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess differences between the effects of aerobic and resistance training on HbA(1c) (primary outcome) and several metabolic risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes, and to identify predictors of exercise-induced metabolic improvement.Research Design and Methods: Type 2 diabetic patients (n = 40) were randomly assigned to aerobic training or resistance training. Before and after 4 months of intervention, metabolic phenotypes (including HbA(1c), glucose clamp-measured insulin sensitivity, and oral glucose tolerance test-assessed β-cell function), body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength were measured.Results: After training, increase in peak oxygen consumption (V(O(2peak))) was greater in the aerobic group (time-by-group interaction P = 0.045), whereas increase in strength was greater in the resistance group (time-by-group interaction P < 0.0001). HbA(1c) was similarly reduced in both groups (-0.40% [95% CI -0.61 to -0.18] vs. -0.35% [-0.59 to -0.10], respectively). Total and truncal fat, VAT, and SAT were also similarly reduced in both groups, whereas insulin sensitivity and lean limb mass were similarly increased. β-Cell function showed no significant changes. In multivariate analyses, improvement in HbA(1c) after training was independently predicted by baseline HbA(1c) and by changes in V(O(2peak)) and truncal fat.Conclusions: Resistance training, similarly to aerobic training, improves metabolic features and insulin sensitivity and reduces abdominal fat in type 2 diabetic patients. Changes after training in V(O(2peak)) and truncal fat may be primary determinants of exercise-induced metabolic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabet. Med. 29, 220-226 (2012) Abstract Aims We determined whether non-alcoholic fatty liver is associated with an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Type 1 diabetes. Methods We studied 343 patients with Type 1 diabetes, who had no history of excessive alcohol consumption or other secondary causes of chronic liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Chronic kidney disease was defined as presence of either abnormal albuminuria (i.e. urinary albumin/creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g) or estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml min−1 1.73 m−2. Results Compared with those without steatosis, patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver ( n = 182) had significantly lower estimated GFR (83.0 ± 27 vs. 93.3 ± 29 ml min−1 1.73 m−2, P < 0.001) and a greater prevalence of abnormal albuminuria (50.0 vs. 20.5%, P < 0.0001) and chronic kidney disease (54.4 vs. 24.2%, P < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that non-alcoholic fatty liver was associated with an increased risk of either abnormal albuminuria (adjusted odds ratio 2.21, 95% CI 1.2-4.1, P = 0.01) or chronic kidney disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.93, 95% CI 1.1-3.6, P = 0.02), independently of age, gender, smoking status, physical activity, diabetes duration, HbA1c, BMI, systolic blood pressure, plasma lipids and use of anti-hypertensive and lipid-lowering medications. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that ultrasound-diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver is associated with a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes, independently of several risk factors, including the components of the metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The possibility of combining inorganic and organic components at the nanosize level in a single material by the sol–gel process has made possible the development of new multifunctional materials. However, the phase interaction between organic and inorganic moieties can be controlled only to a limited extent by using hydrolysis–condensation reactions of metal alkoxides. The preparation of nanostructured organic–inorganic (O/I) materials by assembling of nanobuilding blocks (nbb) allows controlling the extent of phase interaction, which in its turn governs the structure–properties relationships. A suitable method is the preparation of inorganic nanosized preformed objects exploiting the features and the reactivity of functional end-capping organic groups. We present here the synthesis of Si- and Zr-based nanobuilding blocks prepared by reacting diphenylsilanediol and Si and Zr precursors, with M-OR or M-Cl functions. The non-hydrolytic condensation between silanols and alkoxide or chloride groups has been exploited in order to obtain the Si- and Zr-based nbb. These nanosized objects have been further processed by dip coating for preparing films starting from suitable solutions. The structural characterisation of prepared nbb has been obtained using infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Homogeneous mesoporous zirconium-containing MCM-41 type silica were prepared by supramolecular templating and their textural and structural properties were studied using powder X-ray diffraction, N2 porosimetry, atomic force microscopy, EXAFS, XPS, and UV–VIS–NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Their acid properties were also studied by using IR spectroscopy and by the use of catalytic tests such as the decomposition of isopropanol and the isomerization of 1-butene. The materials prepared show a good degree of crystallinity with a regular ordering of the pores into a hexagonal arrangement and high thermal stability. The specific surface area of the prepared materials decreases as the zirconium content rises. Zirconium atoms are in coordination 7 to 8 and located at the surface of the pores such that a high proportion of the oxygen atoms bonded to zirconium corresponds to surface non-condensed oxygen atoms. Both facts are responsible for the acid properties of the solids that show weak Brønsted and medium strong Lewis acidity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents abstracts on the psychological aspects of sport science presented during the Second Annual Congress of the College of Sport Science in Europe.

Presents abstracts on motor control in sport science presented during the Second Annual Congress of the College of Sport Science in Europe.

Presents abstracts on biomechanics in sport science presented during the Second Annual Congress of the College of Sport Science in Europe.

Presents abstracts on kinanthropometry in sport science presented during the Second Annual Congress of the College of Sport Science in Europe.

Presents abstracts on the physiological aspects of sport science presented during the Second Annual Congress of the College of Sport Science in Europe.

Presents abstracts on nutrition presented during the Second Annual Congress of the College of Sport Science in Europe.

Presents abstracts on exercise and health presented during the Second Annual Congress of the College of Sport Science in Europe.

Presents abstracts on sports medicine presented during the Second Annual Congress of the College of Sport Science in Europe.

Inappropriate microbial colonization can induce gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation may predispose poultry to opportunistic infections and reduce growth performance. Four independent experiments were completed to test ability of select Enterobacteriaceae isolates to induce GI inflammation. Experiments 1 and 2 included a non-inoculated control (NC), and a low (L), medium (M), or high (H) day of hatch (DOH) oral inoculation level. In experiment 1, birds in L1, M1, and H1 received 102 to 104 CFU of a mixed dose of 2 species of Citrobacter and Salmonella Enteritidis LB (SE). In experiment 2, birds in L2, M2, and H2 received 103 to 105 CFU of E. coli LG (LG) and included NC. Body weight was recorded on d 0, 7, and 14, with blood collected for chicken serum alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (A1GP) measurements on d14. Neither experiment resulted in differences in BWG, however, A1GP was increased (P < 0.05) on d 14 when DOH inoculation dose 103 CFU/chick was used compared to NC. This observed increase in A1GP resulted in selection of 103 CFU/chick for DOH inoculation in experiments 3 and 4. Experiment 3 consisted of NC, E. coli Huff (Huff), and SE. On d 0, 7 and 15, BW was measured, with blood collected on d 15 for A1GP. Both d 15 A1GP and BWG from d 7 to 15 were reduced in inoculated chicks, Huff and SE, in experiment 3 (P < 0.05). Experiment 4 evaluated NC and LG with BW measured on d 0, 2, 7 and 14. Yolk sacs were evaluated for retention and bacterial enumeration, and blood for serum A1GP were collected on d 2 and 14. Experiment 4 resulted in no differences in yolk sac parameters or A1GP, whereas there was an increase in BWG for LG from d 0 to 14 (P < 0.05). When evaluated over time, serum A1GP increased between d 2 and d 14 by nearly 46% in LG, compared to negligible changes in NC (P = 0.111). Mild GI inflammation induced by early Enterobacteriaceae exposure may not drastically impact growth or inflammation parameters but may increase susceptibility to opportunistic infection necessitating further study of this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]