Reproductive potential does not cause loss of heat shock response performance in honey bees.

In other species characterized to date, aging, as a function of reproductive potential, results in the breakdown of proteaostasis and a decreased capacity to mount responses by the heat shock response (HSR) and other proteostatic network pathways. Our understanding of the maintenance of stress pathways, such as the HSR, in honey bees, and in the reproductive queen in particular, is incomplete. Based on the findings in other species showing an inverse relationship between reproductive potential and HSR function, one might predict that that HSR function would be lost in the reproductive queens. However, as queens possess an atypical uncoupling of the reproduction-maintenance trade-off typically found in solitary organisms, HSR maintenance might also be expected. Here we demonstrate that reproductive potential does not cause loss of HSR performance in honey bees as queens induce target gene expression to levels comparable to those induced in attendant worker bees. Maintenance of HSR function with advent of reproductive potential is unique among invertebrates studied to date and provides a potential model for examining the molecular mechanisms regulating the uncoupling of the reproduction-maintenance trade-off in queen bees, with important consequences for understanding how stresses impact different types of individuals in honey bee colonies.

Reproductive isolation between wild and domesticated chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) in sympatry.

Reproductive isolation is a necessary condition for plant domestication in their domestication centre where crops co-occur with their wild progenitors. However, the identification of reproductive barriers and their relative contribution to reproductive isolation have been overlooked in plants under domestication. We assessed pre- and post-pollination reproductive barriers and their relative contribution to reproductive isolation between wild and domesticated chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) in its domestication centre. We found that wild and domesticated chaya both exhibit a high degree of reproductive isolation. However, the reproductive isolation barriers exhibited some asymmetry: while pre-pollination barriers (differential pollen production and pollinator specificity) were only detected in wild plants, post-pollination barriers (pollen-pistil incompatibility and/or failure to set fruit) were observed in both wild and domesticated plants. We conclude that complete reproductive isolation has evolved in sympatry in co-occurring domesticated and wild chaya.

Spatio-temporal arrangement of Chamaerops humilis inflorescences and occupancy patterns by its nursery pollinator, Derelomus chamaeropsis.

Background and Aims: Nursery pollination is a highly specialized interaction in which pollinators breed inside plant reproductive structures. Pollinator occupancy of host plants often depends on plant location, flowering synchrony and sex. The nursery pollination system between the dioecious dwarf palm Chamaerops humilis (Arecaceae) and the host-specific palm flower weevil Derelomus chamaeropsis was investigated. For the first time, sex, flowering synchrony and spatial distribution of plants was related to the occupancy probability and the abundance of D. chamaeropsis larvae, important traits influencing both pollinator and plant fitness. Methods: During the flowering season, all inflorescences in anthesis were counted every 12 d and a flowering synchrony index was calculated taking into account all possible correlations with generalized linear mixed models. To analyse the spatial structure of plants, larva occupancy and abundance, different techniques of spatial point pattern analysis were used. Key results: In total, 5986 larvae in 1063 C. humilis inflorescences were recorded over three consecutive seasons. Male inflorescences showed a higher presence and abundance of weevil larvae than females, but interestingly approx. 30 % of the females held larvae. Also, larvae occurred mainly in highly synchronous plants with a low number of inflorescences, perhaps because those plants did not lead to a resource dilution effect. There was no evidence of spatial patterns in larva occupancy or abundance at any spatial scale, suggesting high dispersal ability of adult weevil. Conclusions: The results in a nursery-pollinated dioecious palm demonstrate that plant sex, flowering display and flowering synchrony act as additive forces influencing the presence and abundance of the specialized pollinator larvae. Contradicting previous results, clear evidence that female dwarf palms also provide rewarding oviposition sites was found, and thus the plant 'pays' for the pollination services. The findings highlight that plant local aggregation is not always the main determinant of pollinator attraction, whereas flower traits and phenology could be critical in specialized plant-pollinator interactions.

Retraction: Alterations in lipid metabolism due to a protein-restricted diet in rats during gestation and/or lactation.

Retraction of 'Alterations in lipid metabolism due to a protein-restricted diet in rats during gestation and/or lactation' by T. C. Sosa-Larios, et al., Food Funct., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7fo01513e.

Alterations in lipid metabolism due to a protein-restricted diet in rats during gestation and/or lactation.

Perinatal malnutrition affects not only fetal and neonatal growth, but also the health of offspring in adulthood, as suggested by the concept of metabolic programming. The impact of maternal protein malnutrition on the metabolism of offspring is demonstrated with the current data. One group of pregnant/lactating female rats was fed with an isocaloric diet having normal protein content. Three other groups were provided 50% of this protein level during pregnancy and/or lactation. The growth and metabolic state of the offspring was monitored. The expression of genes regulating lipid metabolism was determined, including SREBP-1c and SIRT-1 in liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue. Blood cholesterol and triglycerides were higher in the adult offspring (at 110 days of age) fed a protein-restricted diet than in the adult offspring fed a normal diet. Protein restriction likely leads to inadequate detection of glucose levels, as suggested by the reduced expression of the gene for GCK, the sensor of glucose in the liver. The effects of a protein-restricted diet were highly dependent on the window in which this limitation occurred. There was a more adverse effect when the rats underwent protein restriction during gestation than lactation, leading to lower body weight and alterations in lipid metabolism in adult offspring.

The presence of human papillomavirus in semen does not affect the integrity of sperm DNA.

It remains unknown whether human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in semen affect sperm DNA integrity. We investigated whether the presence of these viruses in semen was associated with an elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index. Semen samples of 22 normozoospermic patients undergoing infertility treatment, nine fertile donors and seven fertile men with a risk of HPV infection (genital warts or condylomas) were included in the study. The samples were examined by an INNO-LiPA test PCR-based reverse hybridisation array that identifies 28 types of HPVs as simple or multiple infections. Sperm DNA integrity was determined by sperm chromatin dispersion assay (SCD). Our preliminary findings demonstrate an increase in HPV infection in infertile men with respect to fertile men. However, the sperm DNA fragmentation index was not increased in semen containing these viruses.

The prothrombotic state associated with obesity-induced hypertension is reduced by cocoa and its main flavanols.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effects of cocoa and its main flavanols on the prothrombotic state associated with the development of hypertension in diet-induced obesity models. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of cocoa powder, cocoa extract and their main flavanols on plasma biomarkers related to impaired coagulation and fibrinolysis and its association with hypertension and obesity-related metabolic disorders in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups (n = 7): normal diet (ND); hypercaloric diet control group (HCD); HCD + cocoa powder (CO); HCD + cocoa extract (CO-EX); HCD + (-)-epicatechin (EPI); HCD + (+)-catechin (CAT); and HCD + procyanidin B2 (PB2). Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method (week 7). At the end of the experimental period (week 8), rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected immediately for coagulation and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Oral administration of CO, CO-EX and their main flavanols significantly decreased plasma biomarkers related to impaired coagulation and fibrinolysis (vWF, FVIII, fibrinogen and PAI-1) in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. These effects were associated with decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, aortic oxidative stress (MDA levels) and improvement of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and circulating markers of inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP) compared to the HCD group. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that cocoa and its main flavanols may improve endothelial dysfunction and exert their antihypertensive effects by decreasing the prothrombotic state in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. Moreover, improvement of obesity-related metabolic disorders may also contribute to their BP-lowering effect.

Fast food consumption in pregnancy and subsequent asthma symptoms in young children.

BACKGROUND: Recent cross-sectional studies suggested children's current fast food consumption to be related to frequency of asthma and allergies. Maternal prenatal diet has been suspected to contribute to children's asthma and atopic disease risks. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that maternal fast food intake during pregnancy increases offspring's risk for asthmatic symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study of 1201 mother/child pairs in Los Angeles, California. Detailed information about prenatal fast food intake and other dietary, lifestyle/environmental factors, and pregnancy was collected shortly after birth; further data were retrieved from birth certificates. Using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood core questions, asthma and rhinitis symptoms were assessed, and doctor's diagnoses were recorded in offspring 3.5 years after birth. Poisson regression with robust error variance using a log link function was used to estimate relative risks (RRs). Models were adjusted using covariates or propensity scores. RESULTS: Maternal prenatal fast food consumption related to increased relative risks of their children for severe, and current asthma symptoms (wheeze last 12 months combined with doctor's diagnosis) in a dose-dependent manner: 'once a month': RR: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.36, 2.75), 'once a week': 1.26 (0.47, 3.34); '3-4 days a week': 2.17 (0.77, 6.12); and 'every day' 4.46 (1.36 14.6) compared to 'never', adjusting for potential confounders (p for trend = 0.0025). There was also suggestion of increased risks for rhinitis symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that in utero exposure to frequent fast food through maternal diet may be a risk factor for asthmatic symptoms in young children.

Pollination system of the Pilosocereus leucocephalus columnar cactus (tribe Cereeae) in eastern Mexico.

It has been suggested that there is a geographic dichotomy in the pollination systems of chiropterophilous columnar cacti: in intra-tropical areas they are pollinated almost exclusively by bats, whereas in extratropical areas they are pollinated by bats, birds and bees. However, currently the studies are clumped both taxonomically (mainly Pachycereeae species) and geographically (mainly in the Tehuacan Valley and the Sonoran Desert). This clumping limits the possibility of generalising the pattern to other regions or cactus tribes. Only four of the 36 chiropterophilous cacti in Pilosocereus have been studied. Despite the tropical distribution of two Pilosocereus species, bees account for 40-100% of their fruit set. We examined how specialised is the pollination system of P. leucocephalus in eastern Mexico. As we studied tropical populations, we expected a bat-specialised pollination system. However, previous studies of Pilosocereus suggest that a generalised pollination system is also possible. We found that this cactus is mainly bat-pollinated (bats account for 33-65% of fruit set); although to a lesser degree, diurnal visitors also caused some fruit set (7-15%). Diurnal visitors were more effective in populations containing honeybee hives. P. leucocephalus is partially self-compatible (14-18% of fructification) but unable to set fruit without visitors. Despite the variation in pollination system, P. leucocephalus shows more affinity with other columnar cacti from tropical regions than with those from extratropical regions. Although we report here that a new species of tropical Pilosocereus is relatively bat-specialised, this Cereeae genus is more flexible in its pollination system than the Pachycereeae genera.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the structure of bovine alpha-lactalbumin.

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing (at 200 to 600 MPa, 25 to 55 degrees C, and from 5 to 15 min) on some structural properties of alpha-lactalbumin was studied in a pH range of 3.0 to 9.0. The range of HHP processes produced a variety of molten globules with differences in their surface hydrophobicity and secondary and tertiary structures. At pH values of 3 and 5, there was a decrease in the alpha-helix content concomitant with an increase in beta-strand content as the pressure increased. No changes in molecular size due to HHP-induced aggregation were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE. All samples showed higher thermostability as the severity of the treatment increased, indicating the formation of a less labile structure related to the HHP treatment.

Antioxidant effect rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) extracts on TBARS and colour of model raw pork batters.

Herbs and spices are traditional used as food ingredients as well as for their antioxidant properties. The objective of this work was to study the concentration of carnosol, rosmarinic and carnosic acids in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and oregano leaves (Origanum vulgare L.), and their effect on the oxidation and colour of model pork batters. Extracts were obtained by maceration with ethanol and reflux with chloroform. Rosemary extracts showed higher antioxidant activity, even more than the phenol compounds separately. These extracts also showed the highest antioxidant capacity, possibly due to the presence of high concentrations of carnosic acid and carnosol and unidentified active compounds. However, ethanol oregano extracts containing high concentrations of phenols, mainly rosmarinic acid, efficiently prevented colour deterioration. The antioxidant effect of the studied extracts depends, not only on the concentration of phenol compounds (rosmarinic acid, carnosol and carnosic acid), but also on the extraction method and solvent.

Presence and persistence of intestinal parasites in canine fecal material collected from the environment in the Province of Chubut, Argentine Patagonia.

We investigated the presence of intestinal parasites in canine feces collected from public squares in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina (45 degrees S, 68 degrees W) and determined the persistence of Echinococcus granulosus eggs in those droppings under natural environmental conditions in that region. In the first experiment, we analyzed 163 fecal samples collected from urban squares during 8 months time and found parasitic elements in 46.6%. The presence of parasites was independent of the condition of the feces (fresh or dried; P>0.05). Parasites potentially pathogenic in man were present, such as Toxocara species (spp.), Taenia spp./Echinococcus spp., Uncinarias spp., and Entamoeba spp. In the second experiment, we analyzed two canine fecal samples contaminated with E. granulosus eggs, deposited for 41 months within the natural environment. These parasitic elements persisted during the entire study as attested by light microscopy and the ELISA coproantigen test. We propose the study of the presence of intestinal parasites in canine feces within the environment as a general strategy for identifying and monitoring areas of risk for canine-related zoonoses since we were able to demonstrate the persistence of E. granulosus eggs in deposited canine feces for over 3 years within the area studied.

Student perceptions of clinical mistreatment.

This study examined radiography students' perceptions regarding mistreatment during the clinical portion of their education. Results suggest that a majority of students perceived mistreatment and that second-year students were 4 times more likely to perceive mistreatment than first-year students. Most students who perceived mistreatment indicated that the abuse was verbal and came primarily from staff technologists. Most perceived the mistreatment to be slightly important and slightly upsetting. However, approximately one third perceived the mistreatment to be very important and very upsetting. As part of the study, students were asked to suggest preventive measures that could help eradicate abusive behavior in the clinical setting.

Significance of lipid consumption during lactation.

Human milk lipids are the main source of energy to support optimum growth of the breast-fed infant. The content and composition of milk lipids come from three main sources of fatty acids: the diet, mobilization of body fat stores and fatty acid synthesis de novo by the mammary gland. On account of these, the consumption and composition of the lipids from the diet and also the nutritional state, specifically the body fat percentage of the lactating woman, are elements that maintain a close relation with the content and composition of milk lipids which translates into the energy content given to the baby. The evidence suggests that the body fat stores significantly provide the demand imposed by lactation, and under suboptimal nutritional conditions where body fat stores are depleted, dietary lipid consumption is essential. It is necessary to elucidate the physiological regulatory mechanisms involved in the utilization of dietary lipids on milk synthesis. This information will be of great practical value, since it may allow the development of optimum diets for lactating women.

Bone sialoprotein coated on glass and plastic surfaces is recognized by different beta 3 integrins.

Integrins have important roles in mediating cell-matrix interactions, essential for cell migration and signaling. In bone, integrins are suggested to play a role through their ability to mediate cell attachment to bone matrix proteins. In the present study, the subunit composition of integrins binding bone sialoprotein and osteopontin coated on either glass or plastic surfaces was analyzed using cells isolated from bone. Thus, integrin antibodies to alpha v beta 3, alpha IIb beta 3, alpha v, alpha IIb, and beta 3 and the peptides GRGDSP and KQAGDV were used to define the integrins involved in the attachment in vitro of a preparation of multinucleated cells expressing the enzyme tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Binding to osteopontin coated on either glass or plastic surfaces was mediated via the alpha v beta 3 integrin. Interestingly, the isolated cells bound to bone sialoprotein coated on plastic via the alpha v beta 3 integrin, but used a different integrin, alpha IIb beta 3, when the protein was coated on glass. It appears that bone sialoprotein when coated on glass and plastic, respectively, changes conformation, thereby altering the contact surface and subsequently the binding specificity. Alternatively, the protein contains two different binding sites, selectively exposed on glass or plastic as a result of different protein binding. The results demonstrate that bone sialoprotein contains domains, or can change conformation, such that it can interact with either the alpha IIb beta 3 or the alpha v beta 3 integrin. Whether the integrins were located on the multinucleated cells proper or on platelets bound to these cells could not be unequivocally concluded. The possible presence of platelets should, however, be considered when interpreting data from the isolated osteoclast system.

RGD-directed attachment of isolated rat osteoclasts to osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, and fibronectin.

Osteoclasts isolated from the long bones of 5-day-old rats were seeded onto glass surfaces coated with osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, or fibronectin. Cell binding was promoted by all three proteins and inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by an RGD-containing peptide, while an RGE-containing peptide was ineffective. Immunocytochemistry of bone tissue showed enhanced concentration of osteopontin in bone opposite the clear zone of the osteoclasts, whereas immunolocalization of bone sialoprotein and fibronectin showed no accumulation on bone surfaces facing cells. The observations corroborate previous findings that the osteoclast is attached via an integrin to osteopontin on the bone surface. Although bone sialoprotein and fibronectin can mediate osteoclast binding in vitro, such a role in vivo is not supported by the immunocytochemical observations.

[The electrocardiographic changes in patients stung by scorpions]. / Alteraciones electrocardiográficas en sujetos picados por alacrán.

Scorpion sting is a hazardous and potentially lethal condition. Venom of some variety of scorpion can cause dramatic cardiovascular and electrocardiographic changes, that have been related to heart stimulation by autonomous nervous system. We prospectively studied 722 patients following scorpion sting. Mean age for the group was 25.5 +/- 18.3 years. 67% were less than 30 years of age. In 294 patients (40.7%) we found electrocardiographic changes. These cases were followed until those changes disappeared. First degree atrioventricular block was found in 10.2%. Intraventricular conduction disturbances in 12.8% with predominance of right bundle branch block. In 11% we found arrhythmias. In 15% reversible ventricular repolarization changes. Of this no one died. This lack of mortality could be attributed to a prompt therapeutic intervention.

[Risk of occupational exposure to hepatitis B virus in Venezuelan health workers. Multicenter study]. / Riesgo de exposición ocupacional al virus de la hepatitis B en personal de salud Venezolano. Estudio multicéntrico.

In a multicenter study, 970 serum samples were collected from venezuelan health workers. Presence of HBV serological markers (HBsAg, antiHBs and total anticore) were screened by microELISA. Two-hundred and forty-seven samples (27%) showed at least one positive marker, being the most frequently found the antisurface antibody which was present in different working areas, including those considered at the low exposure level (medicine 24.7%). The proportion of antisurface positive samples also was significantly higher in the group with more than 10 years of service compared to the prevalence showed by the group with less than 5 years (19.1 vs 12.8%). Groups considered to be at low risk, contrary to the expected results, showed a similar or higher prevalence compared to the groups classified as continues or frequent exposure (17.7 vs 8.6%). Our findings suggest a permanent HBV load circulation at the venezuelan hospitals environment.

Effect of a high dose of fluoride on resorbing osteoclasts in vivo.

Histomorphometric analysis of osteoclasts resorbing bone above the erupting first rat molar tooth germ was made at 1, 2, 6, 24, and 48 h following systemic administration of a single high dose of sodium fluoride. Compared to the number of osteoclasts in control rats, a significant reduction was observed in the number of actively resorbing osteoclasts in fluoride-injected rats at 2 and 6 h after dose administration, after which a gradual increase to control levels was observed. A locally increased number of inactive osteoclasts, not attached to bone surfaces, accompanied the reduced number of active osteoclasts.