PCR-RFLP Analysis of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 Gene Polymorphisms in Two Commercial Broiler Chicken Strains (Cobb 500 and Hubbard F-15) and Their Associations with Performance Traits.

The present research aimed to study the polymorphisms of the chicken insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) in two commercial broiler breeds (Cobb 500 and Hubbard F-15). In total, 300 avian blood samples were obtained. The genomic DNA was isolated using a fast salt-extraction technique. Moreover, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify 1146 bp fragments of the gene. The amplified fragments were subjected to restriction enzyme digestion using the HinfI endonuclease enzyme, and the digested products were separated on a 2% agarose gel. The findings indicated that there were two alleles T and C for the target locus, with frequencies of 73.3% and 26.7%, respectively. Three distinct genotype variations, TT, TC, and CC, were found, with genotype frequencies of 59.1%, 28.4%, and 12.5%, respectively. A test based on actual and anticipated frequencies of various genotypic variances of the IGF2 gene revealed that the divergence from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was not significant (P≤0.01) in commercial broiler breeds (Cobb 500 and Hubbard F-15) chickens. In addition, it was found that birds with genotype TC had a greater body mass at 8 weeks of age, compared to those with genotypes TT and CC. It was determined that the IGF2 gene exhibited a significant degree of variability and might be regarded as a possible genetic marker in selection and breeding programs for poultry.

BK Virus Associated Haemorrhagic Cystitis. A systematic review of current prevention and treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND: BK virus is a major cause of late onset haemorrhagic cystitis in patients undergoing Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT). The evidence for the management of BK Virus Associated Haemorrhagic Cystitis (BKV-HC) is limited. Much of the published data consists of non-randomised case series and case reports. To our knowledge this is the first systematic review for the management of BKV-HC in both paediatric and adult populations. Our primary outcome was to examine the evidence for strategies of 1) prevention and 2) cessation of haematuria associated with BKV. Secondary outcomes were to assess the toxicity of treatment strategies and devise management recommendations for clinicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the PubMed and Central databases to evaluate the current evidence. A search protocol was prepared and registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42017082442). The review was conducted in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement and AMSTAR (Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews) guidelines. Results were classified by treatment type. Qualitative analysis of included articles was performed, and grades of recommendations were devised for each treatment. RESULTS: Of 896 titles screened, 44 articles were included for qualitative analysis. The overall quality of evidence was low. There is insufficient evidence to recommend prophylactic quinolones. 40 studies evaluated treatments for established BKV-HC. There are no high-quality comparative studies. Cidofovir is the most studied treatment but quality of evidence is low, and grade of recommendation is weak. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Fibrin glue, Leflunomide, Sodium Pentosan Polysulfate, Intravesical Alum and Radiological embolisation have all been described but the effectiveness of these treatments is unclear. CONCLUSION: There remains no clear specific treatment for BKV-HC. An effective multi-disciplinary approach leading to early recognition and initiation of treatment is encouraged. The development of novel therapies followed by well-designed clinical studies are urgently needed.

Clinical outcomes of multiple rib fractures: does age matter?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of multiple rib fracture due to blunt trauma in young patients, a 3-year retrospective study was conducted. Patients with ≥3 rib fractures were divided into two groups (group I: <45 years old and group II: ≥45 years old). Mortality, hospital stay, ventilatory support, chest tubes insertion and associated injuries were studied. RESULTS: Of the 902 patients admitted with blunt chest trauma, 240 (27 %) met the inclusion criteria and 72.5 % patients were <45 years old. The most common causes of injury were motor vehicle crash (59 %) and fall (29 %). The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was higher in group I (16 ± 9 vs. 13 ± 6; p = 0.04). Hospital mortality was higher in group II (6 vs. 2 %; p = 0.18). Pneumothorax, haemothorax and ventilatory support were comparable. Patients in group II were more likely to undergo chest tubes insertion (26 vs. 14 %; p = 0.04), while group I had a significantly higher incidence of associated abdominal injuries (25 vs. 12 %; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Old age presenting with rib fractures is associated with higher mortality in comparison to young age; however, this difference becomes statistically insignificant in the presence of multiple rib fracture.