bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
86 SIMPLE METHOD FOR EMULSIFICATION OF LIPOPHILIC NUTRIENTS THAT AFFECT PRE-IMPLANTATION DEVELOPMENT OF BOVINE EMBRYOS IN VITRO
Authors: Ikeda S.
Published: December 2013

In order to investigate the effects of bioactive lipophilic nutrients on mammalian pre-implantation embryos in vitro, amphipathic vehicles are commonly used to dissolve the lipophilic substances into culture media. However, easy emulsification of these nutrients would facilitate medium preparation. We report here a simple method for emulsification of lipophilic nutrients that affect bovine pre-implantation embryonic development in vitro. We investigated the effects of emulsified oleic acid (OA) or a mixture of antioxidative vitamins – vitamin E (VE) and β-carotene (BC). Polyglyceryl-10 laurate (P10L) was used as an emulsifier and was dissolved in sterile water at 5.05% (wt/wt) in glass vials. One percent (wt/wt) of OA or a mixture of VE (α-tocopherol) and BC (VE : BC = 1000 : 1 wt/wt) was added into the vial and mixed by using a magnetic stirrer. After first exhibiting white turbidity, the solution became transparent and stabilised, indicating stable emulsification. The emulsified OA and VE+BC were designated as emOA and emVEBC, respectively. Cumulus-enclosed oocytes obtained from abattoir bovine ovaries were in vitro-matured (IVM) for 22 h in modified synthetic oviduct fluid (mSOF) supplemented with 10% (vol/vol) fetal calf serum and 0.2 IU mL–1 FSH. After IVM, the oocytes were subjected to IVF with Percoll gradient-selected sperm from a single bull in an mSOF-based medium for 20 h. After IVF, presumptive zygotes were freed from the cumulus cells and cultured in mSOF. On Day 3 (IVF = Day 0), embryos that had developed to the 8-cell stage or more (≥8-cell) were subsequently cultured in medium supplemented with 0.05% (vol/vol) of emOA or emVEBC. Blastocyst development from ≥8-cell embryos was assessed on Day 8. In the case of no-additive control and emVEBC, the hatching rate was also assessed on Day 10. All the cultures were performed at 38.5°C under 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 and replicated 4 times with ~18 embryos per group per replicate. The development data were statistically analysed by the general linear model. The blastocyst rate in the emOA group (36.4%) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that in the no-additive control (54.1%). The blastocyst rate in the emVEBC group (53.9%) was similar to that in the control; however, the hatching rate was significantly higher in the emVEBC group (22.6%) than in the control (9.2%). These data suggest that emulsification of lipophilic nutrients with P10L is an easy method to allow their addition into culture media for investigating their favourable (e.g. antioxidative vitamins) or inhibitory (e.g. OA) effects on pre-implantation development in vitro.
92 EFFECTS OF ZONA PELLUCIDA CUTTING BY LASER ON THE CRYOSURVIVAL AND HATCHING RATES OF VITRIFIED BLASTOCYSTS IN BUFFALO (BUBALUS BULALIS)
Authors: Yang C. , Shang J. , Zheng H. , Huang F. , Liang X. , Yang B.
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study was to determine if zona pellucida (ZP) opening before cryopreservation or after thawing would effect cryosurvivability and hatching rate of vitrified blastocysts produced by IVF. The IVF blastocysts were derived from oocytes obtained from abattoir ovaries; 15–20 μm ZP opening by a XYClone® system (Hamilton Thorne Biosciences, Beverly, MA, USA), using a pulse strength of 90% and pulse length of 800 μs, was adopted for assisted hatching. The hatching rates of fresh blastocysts of various ages with or without ZP opening were observed within 24 h. Furthermore, 20% ethylene glycol (EG) + 20% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + 0.5 M sucrose was adopted as vitrificaiton medium in the following experiments, and the expanded blastocysts harvested on Days 6, 7, 8, and 9 were respectively divided into three groups: Group 1: the blastocysts were vitrified after 15 to 20 μm ZP opening opposite to the inner cell mass, and the blastocoels were also blotted in order to outflow the blastocoelic fluid before vitrification; Group 2: the 15 to 20 μm ZP cutting by laser was performed immediately after thawing; Group 3: as control, the blastocysts were vitrified and thawed without any other treatment. The thawed blastocysts in different groups were cultured for 72 h to observe the survival and hatching rates. The results showed that 1) the hatching rate of fresh Day 9 blastocysts that underwent ZP cutting was higher than that of fresh counterpart (77.8% v. 50.0%, 28/36 v. 20/40, P < 0.05); 2) after vitrification, the ZP of blastocysts was averagely thickened for 2.8 μm; and 3) the cryosurvival and hatching rates of Days 6 to 8 blastocysts in three groups were not different from each other, whereas as for Day 9 blastocysts, the cryosurvival rate of vitrified blastocysts in Group 1 was significantly higher than Group 3 (75.0% v. 53.8%, 30/40 v. 28/52, P < 0.05), and the hatching rate of vitrified blastocysts in Group 2 was significantly higher than Group 3 (80.0% v. 42.9%, 16/20 v. 12/28, P < 0.05). In conclusion, laser-assisted hatching can promote the hatching rate of fresh and vitrified blastocysts derived from Day 9. Furthermore, ZP opening and blastocoel breaking before vitrification can also improve the cryosurvival rate of Day 9 blastocysts.
This research was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31160456) and the Natural Science Foundations of China under Grant No. 0991011 and No. 2011GXSFB018045)
95 PRODUCTION OF GENE-EDITED PIGS, CATTLE, AND LAMBS BY EMBRYO INJECTION OF TALENS OR ZFNs
Authors: Fahrenkrug S. C. , Lillico S. G. , Proudfoot C. , King T. J. , Pryor J. H. , Long C. R. , Whitelaw C. B. A. , Carlson D. F.
Published: December 2013

Transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) and zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) DNA editing technology enables site-directed engineering of the genome. To date, all gene-edited large animals have been produced by treatment of somatic cells and cloning to produce gene-edited offspring. Although effective, it does not take advantage of the ‘leave-no-trace' aspect of site-specific nucleases, and the derivation of food animals by cloning is negatively perceived by the public. Thus, we have investigated production of gene-edited pigs, cattle and sheep by direct injection of TALEN or ZFN mRNAs to develop loss-of-function alleles for disease resistance (RELA) or enhanced meat production (GDF8). In vitro studies demonstrated activity of TALENs by cytoplasmic injection of mRNAs from dosages of 2 to 20 ng mL–1 with an apparent increase in both editing frequency and toxicity at high dosage. Our first pregnancies were produced by transfer of pig embryos (in vivo produced) injected with 2 ng mL–1 RELA TALEN mRNA. Pregnancy was confirmed in 5 of 7 recipients 4 of which went full term giving rise to 39 piglets, 8 of which carried editing events (21%). In parallel, we injected ZFN mRNA (2 ng mL–1) targeted to a similar site of the RELA gene and 2 of 2 recipients became pregnant, resulting in the birth of 9 piglets, one of which was edited (11%). For cattle injections, we derived zygotes by ovum pickup from selected Nelore dams followed by in vitro maturation and fertilization with Nelore semen. Low (2 ng mL–1) and medium (5 ng mL–1) dosages of GDF8-targeted TALENs resulted in Day 7 development to morula/blastocyst stage in 40% (n = 18) and 10% (n = 66) of cultured embryos, respectively. A total of 20 morula/blastocysts were chosen for transfer to 11 recipients, resulting in two full-term pregnancies. One pregnancy produced two calves, both of which carried edited GDF8 alleles. Complications with parturition of the second pregnancy resulted in 2 stillborn calves, the genotypes of which are under investigation. Finally, 2 ng mL–1 of TALEN mRNA targeted to ovine GDF8 was injected into in vivo-produced sheep zygotes and transferred into nine recipients, 3 blastocysts each. The pregnancy rate, number of live-born animals, and gene editing frequency is under investigation and will be reported.
Three-dimensional architecture of actin filaments in
Listeria monocytogenes
comet tails
Authors: Jasnin Marion , Asano Shoh , Gouin Edith , Hegerl Reiner , Plitzko Jürgen M. , Villa Elizabeth , Cossart Pascale , Baumeister Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

Significance

For an understanding of the molecular mechanism of actin-based motility, knowledge of the underlying molecular architectures is indispensable. We have used cryo-electron tomography to study the supramolecular arrangements of actin filaments in unperturbed cellular environments. An in-depth quantitative analysis of comet tails, stress fibers, and filopodia has revealed the existence of bundles of nearly parallel actin filaments, some of them hexagonally packed and with strikingly similar spacings between the filaments. This common feature of actin filament architecture has important implications for the mechanical properties of actin supramolecular assemblies and for the mechanism of force generation.
Lie inner ideals are nearly Jordan inner ideals
Authors: López Antonio
Published: December 2013

In this note we extend the Lie inner ideal structure of simple Artinian rings developed by Benkart to centrally closed prime algebras

A
A

. New Lie inner ideals, which we call nonstandard, occur when making this extension. A necessary and sufficient condition for

A
A

to have a nonstandard inner ideal is the existence in

A
A

of a zero square element which is not von Neumann regular. Our main tool is a theorem due to Martindale and Miers on the iterates of the derivations of prime rings.
Antioxidant supplementation enhances bacterial peritonitis in mice by inhibiting phagocytosis
Authors: Goswami Manish , Sharma Deepak , Khan Nazir M. , Checker Rahul , Sandur Santosh Kumar , Jawali Narendra
Published: December 2013

Antioxidants are known to exhibit numerous health benefits including anti-ageing, anti-apoptotic and immuno-stimulatory effects. However, we present the data showing counterproductive effects of therapeutically relevant antioxidants on bacterial clearance by the immune system in a murine peritonitic model. The antioxidants ascorbic acid, glutathione andN-acetylcysteine augmented morbidity and mortality in mice carryingEshcerichia coli-induced acute bacterial peritonitis. Treatment of peritonitic mice with antioxidants significantly increased their bacterial load in the range of 0.3–2 logs. Antioxidant administration to peritonitic mice resulted in decreased numbers of macrophages, B-cells and dendritic cells at the primary site of infection and increased neutrophil infiltration. Serum TNF-α levels were also decreased in antioxidant-treated peritonitic mice.In vitroexperiments showed that antioxidants reduced the phagocytic efficacy of peritoneal macrophages by ~60–75 % and also decreasedE. coli-induced oxidative burst in macrophages cells. Taken together, our data indicate that the antioxidants increased the severity of peritonitis by decreasing the phagocytic efficiency, oxidative burst, and TNF-α production, and increasing neutrophil infiltration. Based on these results, we propose that antioxidant supplementation during the course of bacterial infection is not recommended as it could be detrimental for the host. In addition, the present study underlines the importance of timing and context of antioxidant administration rather than indiscriminate usage to gain the best possible therapeutic advantage of these redox compounds.
Adaptive response of Amphibacillus xylanus to normal aerobic and forced oxidative stress conditions
Authors: Mochizuki Daichi , Arai Toshiaki , Asano Masazumi , Sasakura Natsuki , Watanabe Toshihiro , Shiwa Yuh , Nakamura Sanae , Katano Yoko , Fujinami Shun , Fujita Nobuyuki , Abe Akira , Sato Junichi , Nakagawa Junichi , Niimura Youichi
Published: December 2013

Amphibacillus xylanusgrows at the same rate and with the same cell yield under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, it exhibits vigorous oxygen consumption in spite of lacking a respiratory system and haem catalase. To understand the adaptive response ofA.xylanusto oxidative stresses, a genomic analysis ofA. xylanuswas conducted. The analysis showed thatA. xylanushas the genes of four metabolic systems: two pyruvate metabolic pathways, a glycolytic metabolic pathway and an NADH oxidase (Nox)–AhpC (Prx) system. A transcriptional study confirmed thatA. xylanushas these metabolic systems. Moreover, genomic analysis revealed the presence of two genes for NADH oxidase (nox1andnox2), both of which were identified in the transcriptional analysis. Thenox1gene inA. xylanuswas highly expressed under normal aerobic conditions but that ofnox2was not. A purification study of NADH oxidases indicated that the gene product ofnox1is a primary metabolic enzyme responsible for metabolism of both oxygen and reactive oxygen species.A. xylanuswas successfully grown under forced oxidative stress conditions such as 0.1 mM H2O2, 0.3 mM paraquat and 80 % oxygen. Proteomic analysis revealed that manganese SOD, Prx, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E1 and E3 components, and riboflavin synthase β-chain are induced under normal aerobic conditions, and the other proteins except the five aerobically induced proteins were not induced under forced oxidative stress conditions. Taken together, the present findings indicate thatA. xylanushas a unique defence system against forced oxidative stress.
Leaf Shrinkage with Dehydration: Coordination with Hydraulic Vulnerability and Drought Tolerance
Authors: Scoffoni Christine , Vuong Christine , Diep Steven , Cochard Hervé , Sack Lawren
Published: December 2013

Leaf shrinkage with dehydration has attracted attention for over 100 years, especially as it becomes visibly extreme during drought. However, little has been known of its correlation with physiology. Computer simulations of the leaf hydraulic system showed that a reduction of hydraulic conductance of the mesophyll pathways outside the xylem would cause a strong decline of leaf hydraulic conductance (K  leaf). For 14 diverse species, we tested the hypothesis that shrinkage during dehydration (i.e. in whole leaf, cell and airspace thickness, and leaf area) is associated with reduction in K  leaf at declining leaf water potential (Ψleaf). We tested hypotheses for the linkage of leaf shrinkage with structural and physiological water relations parameters, including modulus of elasticity, osmotic pressure at full turgor, turgor loss point (TLP), and cuticular conductance. Species originating from moist habitats showed substantial shrinkage during dehydration before reaching TLP, in contrast with species originating from dry habitats. Across species, the decline of K  leaf with mild dehydration (i.e. the initial slope of the K  leaf versus Ψleaf curve) correlated with the decline of leaf thickness (the slope of the leaf thickness versus Ψleaf curve), as expected based on predictions from computer simulations. Leaf thickness shrinkage before TLP correlated across species with lower modulus of elasticity and with less negative osmotic pressure at full turgor, as did leaf area shrinkage between full turgor and oven desiccation. These findings point to a role for leaf shrinkage in hydraulic decline during mild dehydration, with potential impacts on drought adaptation for cells and leaves, influencing plant ecological distributions.
Do stage‐specific functional responses of consumers dampen the effects of subsidies on trophic cascades in streams?
Authors: Sato Takuya , Watanabe Katsutoshi
Published: December 2013

Resource subsidies often weaken trophic cascades in recipient communities via consumers' functional response to the subsidies. Consumer populations are commonly stage‐structured and may respond to the subsidies differently among the stages yet less is known about how this might impact the subsidy effects on the strength of trophic cascades in recipient systems.

We show here, using a large‐scale field experiment, that the stage structure of a recipient consumer would dampen the effects of terrestrial invertebrate subsidies on the strength of trophic cascade in streams.

When a high input rate of the terrestrial invertebrates was available, both large and small fish stages switched their diet to the terrestrial subsidy, which weakened the trophic cascade in streams. However, when the input rate of the terrestrial invertebrates was at a moderate level, the terrestrial subsidy did not weaken the trophic cascade.

This discrepancy was likely due to small fish stages being competitively excluded from feeding on the subsidy by larger stages of fish and primarily foraging on benthic invertebrates under the moderate input level.

Although previous studies using single fish stages have clearly demonstrated that the terrestrial invertebrate input equivalent to our moderate input rate weakened the trophic cascade in streams, this subsidy effect might be overestimated given small fish stage may not switch their diet to the subsidy under competition with large fish stage.

Given the ubiquity of consumer stage structure and interaction among consumer stages, the effects we saw might be widespread in nature, requiring future studies that explicitly involve consumer's stage structure into community ecology.
The GATA transcription factor/MTA‐1 homolog egr‐1 promotes longevity and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zimmerman Stephanie M. , Kim Stuart K.
Published: December 2013

Aging is associated with a large number of both phenotypic and molecular changes, but for most of these, it is not known whether these changes are detrimental, neutral, or protective. We have identified a conserved Caenorhabditis elegans GATA transcription factor/MTA‐1 homolog egr‐1 (lin‐40) that extends lifespan and promotes resistance to heat and UV stress when overexpressed. Expression of egr‐1 increases with age, suggesting that it may promote survival during normal aging. This increase in expression is dependent on the presence of the germline, raising the possibility that egr‐1 expression is regulated by signals from the germline. In addition, loss of egr‐1 suppresses the long lifespan of insulin receptor daf‐2 mutants. The DAF‐16 FOXO transcription factor is required for the increased stress resistance of egr‐1 overexpression mutants, and egr‐1 is necessary for the proper regulation of sod‐3 (a reporter for DAF‐16 activity). These results indicate that egr‐1 acts within the insulin signaling pathway. egr‐1 can also activate the expression of its paralog egl‐27, another factor known to extend lifespan and increase stress resistance, suggesting that the two genes act in a common program to promote survival. These results identify egr‐1 as part of a longevity‐promoting circuit that changes with age in a manner that is beneficial for the lifespan of the organism.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: review of 500 cases in single surgeon Australian practice
Authors: Gibson Simon C. , Le Page Philip A. , Taylor Craig J.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Reported results and techniques of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are variable. Our objective was to assess results of weight loss, complications and reflux in a large consecutive series of LSG, describing technical detail which contributed to outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 500 consecutive patients undergoing LSG. Patient demographics, weight loss, complications and functional outcomes were analysed and operative technique described.

Results

Five hundred patients underwent LSG over 3 years (37 revisional). Mean (range) preoperative body mass index was 45 kg/m2 (35–76 kg/m2). Mean follow‐up and length of hospital stay were 14 months (1–34) and 3.8 days (3–12), respectively. All‐cause 30‐day readmission rate 1.2%. Mean excess weight loss (interquartile range, available patient data) was 43% (22–65%, 423 patients), 58% (45–70%, 352 patients), 76% (52–84%, 258 patients), 71% (51–87%, 102 patients) and 73% (55–86%, 13 patients) at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 months, respectively. There was no mortality. Intraoperative complications occurred in two (0.4%) – splenic bleeding; bougie related oesophageal injury. Early surgical complications in four (1.2%) patients (one staple line leak and three post‐operative bleeds). Other early complications occurred in three (0.6%) patients (one pseudomembranous colitis; one central line sepsis; one portal venous thrombosis) and late in four (0.8%) patients (three port‐site incisional hernias; mid‐sleeve stricture requiring endoscopic dilatation). Gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms decreased from 45 to 6%.

Conclusion

With attention to detail, LSG can lead to good excess weight loss with minimal complications. Tenants to success include repair of hiatal laxity, generous width at angula incisura and complete resection of posterior fundus.
Anatomical analysis of the lizard carpal bones in the terms of skilled manual abilities
Authors: Fontanarrosa Gabriela , Abdala Virginia
Published: December 2013

One of the most remarkable hand movements is grasping. This ability has been repetitively associated with the evolution of the human lineage towards the development of technology. Besides mammals, other tetrapods have also evolved significant, and in some cases surprising, forelimb prehensile capabilities. In this study, we present a qualitative analysis of the carpal bones in diverse lizard taxa. Our main goal is to make a survey of the carpal morphology of different squamatans and to interpret its variability in the context of both lizard skilled forelimb movements and the evolutionary history of Squamata.
Male reproductive cycle in Aspidoscelis costata costata (Squamata: Teiidae) from Tonatico, Estado de México, México
Authors: Granados‐González Gisela , Rheubert Justin L. , Villagrán‐SantaCruz Maricela , González‐Herrera María E. , Dávila‐Cedillo Jessica V. , Gribbins Kevin M. , Hernández‐Gallegos Oswaldo
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproductive cycle of a high‐elevation population of Aspidoscelis costata costata (1500–1600 m) and compare its reproductive cycle with that of other populations, species, and closely related genera. Adult male A. costata costata lizards were collected, and the reproductive tracts were removed and subjected to histological analyses. Testicular activity commences in March with maximum testicular activity and highest sperm abundance (in the epididymides) occurring between May and July. The testis remains at peak activity until September when a late regression/early quiescent phase is observed. Leydig cells follow this same pattern except these hormone‐producing cells remain at maximum secretory level through September. Sperm are present in the epididymides in April–September. This pattern is consistent with the spring recrudescence found in a multitude of male lizard taxa. However, this differs from the continuous cycle observed in some tropical Teiid species and other lizard taxa at high elevation. This study indicates that our knowledge about lizard spermatogenic cycles remains incomplete, and additional studies are required to fully understand the interactions between phenotype, evolution, phylogenetics and environment.
Moderate endurance exercise in patients with sickle cell anaemia: effects on oxidative stress and endothelial activation
Authors: Faes Camille , Balayssac‐Siransy Edwige , Connes Philippe , Hivert Ludovic , Danho Clotaire , Bogui Pascal , Martin Cyril , Pialoux Vincent
Published: December 2013

Very few studies have investigated the effects of exercise on the biological parameters involved in vaso‐occlusive events in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). The aim of this study was to test how a mild‐moderate endurance exercise modulates oxidative stress, nitric oxide bioavailability and endothelial activation in SCA patients and healthy individuals. Eleven patients with SCA and 15 healthy subjects completed a 20‐min duration submaximal cycling exercise at ≈45 Watts. Plasma markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, endothelial activation and nitric oxide bioavailability were investigated before and after the exercise. Nitric oxide levels, anti‐oxidant capacity, soluble (s)E‐selectin and sP‐selectin did not change in response to this exercise. Except for the malondialdehyde levels, which increased in the two groups, the other markers of oxidative stress remained unchanged in both groups in response to exercise. Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 levels were increased at the end of exercise in both groups. sL‐selectin decreased and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 increased with exercise in SCA patients only. The present data suggest that patients with SCA may undertake mild‐moderate physical activities without any acute clinical complications, but care should be taken because oxidative stress and endothelial activation significantly increased in some patients.
Differential tectonic movements in the confluence area of the Huang Shui and Huang He rivers (Yellow River), NE Tibetan Plateau, as inferred from fluvial terrace positions
Authors: Wang Xianyan , van Balen Ronald , Yi Shuangwen , Vandenberghe Jef , Lu Huayu
Published: December 2013

In the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NETP), the courses of the Huang Shui and Huang He near their confluence are characterized by alternating gorges and wide depressions, segmenting the fluvial systems. The river valleys have developed terrace staircases, which are used to infer relative tectonic motions between the segments. The terrace staircases are correlated by means of relative height and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. At least eight terraces are present, two of which have been dated by OSL (the sixth and the third ones; c. 70 and c. 24 ka, respectively). The correlated longitudinal terrace profiles show no distinct relative tectonic movements within the confluence area, demonstrating that this area behaved as one tectonic block. The correlation of the terrace staircase of this block with areas upstream (Xining area) and downstream (eastern Lanzhou area) indicates relative tectonic movements, which therefore represent different tectonic blocks. The fluvial incision rate since c. 70 ka was much higher in the confluence area than in the blocks upstream and downstream, possibly indicating relative uplift. This relatively strong uplift provided more space for differentiation within the terrace staircase as a result of climatic changes, leading to six terraces formed as a response to minor climatic fluctuations (103–104 year timescale) since the last interglacial. This may indicate that the stronger the tectonic movement the better the climatic imprint as expressed in the form of terrace development. Over a shorter timescale, two accumulation terraces with thick stacked deposits (>18 m) may indicate relative subsidence in the confluence, occurring sometime between 20 and 70 ka. This indicates changes in relative vertical crustal motions at timescales of tens of thousands of years. We speculate that the inferred tectonic motions are related to transpression movements in the NETP as a result of the collision of the Indian and Asian plates.
Mycophenolate mofetil in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a prospective pharmacokinetics and clinical study
Authors: Chaigne B , Gatault P , Darrouzain F , Barbet C , Degenne D , François M , Szymanski P , Rabot N , Golea G , Diot E , Maillot F , Lebranchu Y , Nivet H , Paintaud G , Halimi J-M , Guillevin L , Büchler M
Published: December 2013

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) treatment strategy is based on immunosuppressive agents. Little information is available concerning mycophenolic acid (MPA) and the area under the curve (AUC) in patients treated for AAV. We evaluated the variations in pharmacokinetics for MPA in patients with AAV and the relationship between MPA–AUC and markers of the disease. MPA blood concentrations were measured through the enzyme-multiplied immunotechnique (C0, C30, C1, C2, C3, C4, C6 and C9) to determine the AUC. Eighteen patients were included in the study. The median (range) MPA AUC0–12 was 50·55 (30·9–105·4) mg/h/l. The highest coefficient of determination between MPA AUC and single concentrations was observed with C3 (P < 0·0001) and C2 (P < 0·0001) and with C4 (P < 0·0005) or C0 (P < 0·001). Using linear regression, the best estimation of MPA AUC was provided by a model including C30, C2 and C4: AUC = 8·5 + 0·77 C30 + 4·0 C2 + 1·7 C4 (P < 0·0001). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between MPA AUC0-12 and lymphocyte count (P < 0·01), especially CD19 (P < 0·005), CD8 (P < 0·05) and CD56 (P < 0·05). Our results confirm the interindividual variability of MPA AUC in patients treated with MMF in AAV and support a personalized therapy according to blood levels of MPA.
Strategies in intervention programmes for obese youth: implication of the age and the type of physical activities
Authors: Vanhelst Jérémy , Fardy Paul S. , Béghin Laurent , Bui‐Xuan Gilles , Mikulovic Jacques
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of age and type of physical activity on anthropometric measures of obese youth participating in an intervention programme. Subjects included 37 obese children (12·5 ± 2·9 years). The programme consisted of a unique programme of physical activity and health education. Assessments included body mass index (BMI), body composition and ability to perform sport activities. Paired t‐tests were used to assess the effects of intervention, and chi square was used to assess interaction between measures. Findings suggest significant decrease in Z‐scores of BMI and an improvement in the ability to perform sport activities (P<0·05). The effectiveness of the programme has more impact on children than adolescents (P<0·05). Improvements were greater in team versus net sports (P<0·05). Results show that intervention strategies have to be different according to the age to have a favourable effect on anthropometric characteristic and the consequences of obesity childhood and adulthood. The findings suggest that the intervention programme was of greater benefit for children than adolescents.
From research to practice: how OPUS treatment was accepted and implemented throughout Denmark
Authors: Nordentoft Merete , Melau Marianne , Iversen Tina , Petersen Lone , Jeppesen Pia , Thorup Anne , Bertelsen Mette , Hjorthøj Carsten Rygaard , Hastrup Lene Halling , Jørgensen Per
Published: December 2013

Background

The early phases of psychosis have been hypothesized to constitute a critical period, a window of opportunity. At the same time, the early phases of psychosis are associated with increased risk of unwanted outcome, such as suicidal behaviour and social isolation. This was the background for the emergence of early intervention services, and in Denmark, the OPUS trial was initiated as part of that process.

Methods

Modified assertive community treatment, together with family involvement and social skills training, constituted the core elements in the original programme. A total of 547 patients with first‐episode psychosis were included in the trial.

Results

To summarize briefly the results of the OPUS trial: the OPUS treatment was superior to standard treatment in reducing psychotic and negative symptoms and substance abuse, in increasing user satisfaction and adherence to treatment, and in reducing use of bed days and days in supported housing. Moreover, relatives included in the OPUS treatment were less strained and had a higher level of knowledge about schizophrenia and higher user satisfaction.

Discussion

The OPUS treatment was implemented throughout Denmark. Training courses were developed and manuals and books were published. Regional health authorities had access to national grants for implementing early intervention services; as a result, OPUS teams were disseminated throughout the country. The content of the treatment is now further developed, and new elements are being tried out – such as individual placement and support, lifestyle changes, cognitive remediation, specialized treatment for substance abuse and different kinds of user involvement.
General relationships between consumer dispersal, resource dispersal and metacommunity diversity
Authors: Haegeman Bart , Loreau Michel
Published: December 2013

One of the central questions of metacommunity theory is how dispersal of organisms affects species diversity. Here, we show that the diversity–dispersal relationship should not be studied in isolation of other abiotic and biotic flows in the metacommunity. We study a mechanistic metacommunity model in which consumer species compete for an abiotic or biotic resource. We consider both consumer species specialised to a habitat patch, and generalist species capable of using the resource throughout the metacommunity. We present analytical results for different limiting values of consumer dispersal and resource dispersal, and complement these results with simulations for intermediate dispersal values. Our analysis reveals generic patterns for the combined effects of consumer and resource dispersal on the metacommunity diversity of consumer species, and shows that hump‐shaped relationships between local diversity and dispersal are not universal. Diversity–dispersal relationships can also be monotonically increasing or multimodal. Our work is a new step towards a general theory of metacommunity diversity integrating dispersal at multiple trophic levels.
Limits on ecosystem trophic complexity: insights from ecological network analysis
Authors: Ulanowicz Robert E. , Holt Robert D. , Barfield Michael
Published: December 2013

Articulating what limits the length of trophic food chains has remained one of the most enduring challenges in ecology. Mere counts of ecosystem species and transfers have not much illumined the issue, in part because magnitudes of trophic transfers vary by orders of magnitude in power‐law fashion. We address this issue by creating a suite of measures that extend the basic indexes usually obtained by counting taxa and transfers so as to apply to networks wherein magnitudes vary by orders of magnitude. Application of the extended measures to data on ecosystem trophic networks reveals that the actual complexity of ecosystem webs is far less than usually imagined, because most ecosystem networks consist of a multitude of weak connections dominated by a relatively few strong flows. Although quantitative ecosystem networks may consist of hundreds of nodes and thousands of transfers, they nevertheless behave similarly to simpler representations of systems with fewer than 14 nodes or 40 flows. Both theory and empirical data point to an upper bound on the number of effective trophic levels at about 3–4 links. We suggest that several whole‐system processes may be at play in generating these ecosystem limits and regularities.
SequentialL‐lactate concentration in hospitalised equine neonates: A prospective multicentre study
Authors: Borchers A. , Wilkins P. A. , Marsh P. M. , Axon J. E. , Read J. , Castagnetti C. , Pantaleon L. , Clark C. , Qura'n L. , Belgrave R. , Schwarzwald C. , Levy M. , Bedenice D. , Saulez M. N. , Boston R. C.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

Evaluation of serial blood lactate concentrations [LAC] are of prognostic value for morbidity and mortality in critically ill human patients and neonatal foals, but have not been prospectively evaluated in a large multicentre study of critically ill neonatal foals.

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate the prognostic value of sequential [LAC] analysis in critically ill neonatal foals with risk of mortality.

Study design

Prospective, observational study.

Methods

Thirteen university and private equine referral hospitals enrolled 643 foals over the 2008 foaling season and [LAC] was measured at admission ([LAC]ADMIT) and 24 ([LAC]24), 48 ([LAC]48), 72 ([LAC]72), 96 ([LAC]96) and 120 h ([LAC]120) after admission. [LAC] changes over time ([LAC]Δ) were calculated between sampling points.

Results

Nonsurvivors had significantly greater [LAC]ADMIT, [LAC]24and [LAC]48compared with surviving foals (P<0.001). In nonsurviving foals [LAC]Δdid not decrease over time while survivors showed significant positive [LAC]Δbetween [LAC]ADM–24and all other time periods (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of survival decreased for each 1 mmol/l [LAC] increase at all time points for all critically ill foals, independent of major final diagnoses as potential confounders. Septic foals had significantly greater [LAC] at all time points compared with nonseptic foals (P<0.001) and [LAC]Δ in septic foals was significantly more positive (suggesting better clearance of lactate from the blood) only at [LAC]ADM–24and [LAC]72–96(P<0.01), while in nonseptic foals [LAC]Δ was significantly positive between [LAC]ADM–24compared with all other time periods (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Blood lactate concentration is a strong, independent biomarker used to predict mortality in critically ill foals. Lactate metabolism is impaired in nonsurviving and septic foals and [LAC]Δ can be utilised to identify patients at high risk for mortality.
Comparison of two sampling and culture systems for detection ofSalmonella entericain the environment of a large animal hospital
Authors: Ruple‐Czerniak A. , Bolte D. S. , Burgess B. A. , Morley P. S.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

Nosocomial salmonellosis is an important problem in veterinary hospitals that treat horses and other large animals. Detection and mitigation of outbreaks and prevention of healthcare‐associated infections often require detection ofSalmonella entericain the hospital environment.

Objectives

To compare 2 previously published methods for detecting environmental contamination withS. entericain a large animal veterinary teaching hospital.

Study design

Hospital‐based comparison of environmental sampling techniques.

Methods

A total of 100 pairs of environmental samples were collected from stalls used to house large animal cases (horses, cows or New World camelids) that were confirmed to be sheddingS. entericaby faecal culture. Stalls were cleaned and disinfected prior to sampling, and the same areas within each stall were sampled for the paired samples. One method of detection used sterile, premoistened sponges that were cultured using thioglycolate enrichment before plating onXLT‐4 agar. The other method used electrostatic wipes that were cultured using buffered peptone water, tetrathionate andRappaport‐VassiliadisR10broths before plating onXLT‐4 agar.

Results

Salmonella entericawas recovered from 14% of samples processed using the electrostatic wipe sampling and culture procedure, whereasS. entericawas recovered from only 4% of samples processed using the sponge sampling and culture procedure. There was test agreement for 85 pairs of culture‐negative samples and 3 pairs of culture‐positive samples. However, the remaining 12 pairs of samples with discordant results created significant disagreement between the 2 detection methods (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Persistence ofSalmonellain the environment of veterinary hospitals can occur even with rigorous cleaning and disinfection. Use of sensitive methods for detection of environmental contamination is critical when detecting and mitigating this problem in veterinary hospitals. These results suggest that the electrostatic wipe sampling and culture method was more sensitive than the sponge sampling and culture method.
Regional vs local drivers of phylogenetic and species diversity in stream fish communities
Authors: Blanchet Simon , Helmus Matthew R. , Brosse Sébastien , Grenouillet Gaël
Published: December 2013

Regional and local processes are thought to influence community phylogenetic and species diversity, but have proved challenging to distinguish. We disentangled the effects of local (limiting similarity and habitat filtering) and regional processes (biogeography, history and geographical constraints) on the species and phylogenetic diversity of native riverine fish communities across France.

Fish species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (estimated as the phylogenetic species variability metric, PSV) and trait evenness (estimated from 17 ecological and life‐history traits) were estimated for fish at 932 sampling sites across 42 river basins in France. A phylogenetic signal in traits and species responses to environment variation were estimated using linear models. Null models were developed to test whether river basins constrain the PSV of the communities. Hierarchical linear models were fitted to PSV and SR to partition the variance explained by local and regional processes.

Fish species richness and phylogenetic diversity were negatively correlated across sites (r = −0.589, P < 0 001). There was a phylogenetic signal in species traits, but only a weak signal in species responses to environmental variation across sites. The null models suggested that river basins constrain community PSV. Local‐scale predictors (temperature, landscape position and trait evenness) explained the variation in both PSV and SR, while regional‐scale predictors (latitude, longitude and basin surface area) explained the variation only in SR. Significant interaction terms between local‐ and regional‐scale predictors were also detected for both metrics.

Local‐scale processes, habitat filtering and limiting similarity, probably determine the species composition of fish communities across France, while broad‐scale, regional processes constrain community composition both directly and indirectly by affecting the strength of these local‐scale processes. By analysing phylogenetic diversity and species richness simultaneously, a full picture of the drivers of local‐scale diversity can be determined.
The Apparent Failure of Russia's Pronatalist Family Policies
Authors: Frejka Tomas , Zakharov Sergei
Published: December 2013

Russia has a history of pronatalist policies dating back to the 1930s. Two sets of pronatalist measures were implemented during the past 40 years. The one designed in the early 1980s proved to be a clear failure. Instead of raising fertility, completed cohort fertility declined from 1.8 births per woman for the 1960 birth cohort to 1.6 for the 1968 cohort. The government of President Putin became concerned with the dire demographic conditions of high mortality and low fertility in Russia in the 1990s and early 2000s. A comprehensive set of pronatalist measures came into effect in January 2007. The period total fertility rate increased from 1.3 births per woman in 2006 to 1.6 in 2011, which the authorities view as an unqualified success. An unbiased demographic evaluation as well as analyses of Russian experts reveals that apparently the measures mainly caused a lowering of the age at birth and shortening of birth intervals. It appears that any real fertility increase is questionable, i.e. cohort fertility is not likely to increase appreciably. The recent pronatalist measures are likely to turn out to be a failure.
Inequalities in Healthy Life Expectancy in Eastern Europe
Authors: Minagawa Yuka
Published: December 2013

Compared to the large body of research on mortality differentials between East Central Europe and the former Soviet Union, little attention has been paid to how overall population health status differs between these two country groups. This article investigates disparities in population health, measured by healthy life expectancy (HLE) between ages 20 and 74, for 23 Eastern European countries in 2008. There are substantial disparities in partial HLE between East Central Europe and the former Soviet Union, amounting to differences of 10 years on average for men and women. In addition, factors reflecting the malfunction of existing social structure are inversely associated with partial HLE. Accordingly, populations in countries where corruption, restriction of freedom, and violence are prevalent spend fewer years in good health.
Comparative anatomy of leaves and stems in some species of the South American genus Chrysolaena (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) and taxonomic implications
Authors: de las Mercedes Sosa María , Via do Pico Gisela M. , Dematteis Massimiliano
Published: December 2013

Vegetative anatomical features are poorly known in the South American genus Chrysolaena. In this study, leaves and stems of six Chrysolaena species were described and compared morphologically and anatomically using diaphanization, microtome serial sectioning and scanning electron microscopy. The species differed in leaf epidermis, type of stomata, shape of anticlinal walls of epidermal cells, trichome density, and presence or absence in stems of small air spaces in the cortical parenchyma and of druse‐shaped oxalate crystals. Furthermore, glandular trichomes and three types of non‐glandular trichomes with different number of basal cells were identified on leaves and stems. Collectively, these features proved instrumental to discriminate among the six studied species, suggesting that leaves and stems of Chrysolaena can represent a source for taxonomically useful characters. We also discuss anatomical features in relation to the environmental conditions in the species’ habitats.
Characterization of the High‐Temperature Ferroelectric (100−x−y)BiScO3–(x)Bi(Zr0.5Zn0.5)O3–(y)PbTiO3 Perovskite Ternary Solid Solution
Authors: Kowalski Ben A. , Sehirlioglu Alp , Dynys Fred W. , Sayir Ali
Published: December 2013

Ternary compositions based on Bi(B′B″)O3–PbTiO3‐type compounds have been investigated for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications. Compositions in the ternary were chosen to be near the binary morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition of BiScO3–PbTiO3 (BS–PT). Ternary compositions in (100−x−y)BiScO3–(x)Bi(Zr0.5Zn0.5)O3–(y)PbTiO3 [(100−x−y)BS–xBZZ–yPT] have been investigated with x ≤ 7.5. For compositions with x > 10, the Curie temperature (TC) decreased below 400°C. Dielectric, piezoelectric, and electromechanical properties were characterized as a function of temperature, frequency, and electric field. Small additions of BZZ were shown to increase the electromechanical properties with only a small loss in TC. The electromechanical properties were temperature stable up to the depoling temperature. The most promising composition exhibited a TC of 430°C, piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 520 pC/N, and a planar coupling factor (kp) of 0.45 that remained unchanged up to depoling temperature at 385°C.
Ba5Li2W3O15: A New Li‐Containing Perovskite‐Type Microwave Ceramic with High Q and Low τf
Authors: Fang Liang , Wei Zhenhai , Liao Wei , Zhou Huanfu , Zhang Hui , Xiang Fei
Published: December 2013

A new Li‐containing microwave ceramic Ba5Li2W3O15 with hexagonal perovskite structure was prepared through a solid‐state ceramic route. Small amount of scheelite BaWO4 appeared as a second phase during sintering. The Ba5Li2W3O15 could be well densified at 1120°C and exhibits good microwave dielectric properties with permittivity (εr) of 25.4, high Q × f value about 39 000 GHz, and low temperature coefficient of resonate frequency (τf) of 10 ppm/°C. The addition of BaCu(B2O5) can effectively lower the sintering temperature from 1120°C to 900°C and does not induce degradation of the microwave dielectric properties. These results indicate that the Ba5Li2W3O15 ceramic might be a promising candidate in microwave dielectric resonators.
Thermal Conductivity in Nanocrystalline Ceria Thin Films
Authors: Khafizov Marat , Park In‐Wook , Chernatynskiy Aleksandr , He Lingfeng , Lin Jianliang , Moore John J. , Swank David , Lillo Thomas , Phillpot Simon R. , El‐Azab Anter , Hurley David H.
Published: December 2013

The thermal conductivity of nanocrystalline ceria films grown by unbalanced magnetron sputtering is determined as a function of temperature using laser‐based modulated thermoreflectance. The films exhibit significantly reduced conductivity compared with stoichiometric bulk CeO2. A variety of microstructure imaging techniques including X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron analysis, and electron energy loss spectroscopy indicate that the thermal conductivity is influenced by grain boundaries, dislocations, and oxygen vacancies. The temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity is analyzed using an analytical solution of the Boltzmann transport equation. The conclusion of this study is that oxygen vacancies pose a smaller impediment to thermal transport when they segregate along grain boundaries.