Amphibians and reptiles of the Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista - Itaipu Dam, state of Paraná, southern Brazil / Anfíbios e répteis do Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista - hidrelétrica Itaipu, estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil

Abstract Information regarding species occurrence is fundamental to understanding biodiversity distribution. However, the biodiversity from the west of the state of Paraná has been historically less studied, especially amphibians and reptiles. For this reason, we present the first reptile list of species from the west of the state of Paraná and extend the current list of anurans for the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu. The species list was based on a systematic field study conducted at Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista (RBV) a conservation area within the Hydroelectric Power Itaipu Binacional. We integrated the species list with previous species observations available in the literature for the same place where our sampling was conducted. A total of 41 species of amphibians and reptiles are presented. All amphibians species found were recorded in the field; however, from the 22 species of reptiles recorded, three were historical records obtained before this study. Species were all classified as Least Concern and/or had stable populational status according to the IUCN. Sampling sufficiency was achieved for anurans but not for reptiles, probably due to low abundance of several snake species. The most abundant species of anuran was Dendropsophus nanus, from the Hylidae family, whereas Leptodactylus plaumanni and Scinax squalirostris were represented by only one individual each. The lizard Salvator merianae was the most abundant reptile, and seven species were represented by only one individual each. The most successful sampling method for adult anurans was active search in water bodies whereas most of reptile species were observed by accidental encounters and not through a systematic sampling method. We found that herpetofauna composition from RBV was similar to other communities from Paraná state that also occur within the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. Finally, as additional information to the species list, we offer species identification keys and discuss the importance of Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista to harbor the anuran and reptile diversity of the region.

Resumo Informações sobre a ocorrência de espécies são fundamentais para a compreensão da distribuição da biodiversidade. Porém, a biodiversidade do oeste do Estado do Paraná tem sido historicamente menos estudada, especialmente a de anfíbios e répteis. Por esse motivo, apresentamos a primeira lista de espécies de répteis do oeste do Estado do Paraná e ampliamos a lista atual de anuros para o município de Foz do Iguaçu. A lista de espécies foi baseada em um estudo sistemático de campo realizado em uma área de conservação dentro da Usina Hidrelétrica Itaipu Binacional. Integramos a lista de espécies com observações de espécies anteriores disponíveis na literatura para o mesmo local onde nossa amostragem foi realizada. Um total de 41 espécies são apresentadas. Todas as espécies de anuros encontradas foram registradas em campo; entretanto, das 22 espécies de répteis registradas, três foram registros obtidos antes deste estudo. Todas as espécies foram classificadas como "Pouco Preocupante" e/ou tinham status de "População Estável" de acordo com a IUCN. A suficiência amostral foi alcançada para anuros, mas não para répteis, provavelmente devido à baixa abundância de diversas espécies de serpentes. A espécie de anuro mais abundante foi Dendropsophus nanus, da família Hylidae, enquanto Leptodactylus plaumanni e Scinax squalirostris foram representados por apenas um indivíduo cada. O lagarto Salvator merianae foi o réptil mais abundante, e sete espécies foram representadas por um indivíduo cada. O método de amostragem mais bem sucedido para anuros adultos foi a busca ativa em corpos d'água, enquanto a maioria das espécies de répteis foi observada por encontros acidentais e não através de um método de amostragem sistematizado. Descobrimos que a composição da herpetofauna do Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista foi semelhante à de outras comunidades do estado do Paraná que também ocorrem dentro da Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Por fim, como informações adicionais à lista de espécies, oferecemos chaves de identificação das espécies e discutimos sobre a importância da área de Itaipu para abrigar a diversidade de anuros e répteis da região.

Epilepsy related to focal neuronal lipofuscinosis: extra-frontal localization, EEG signatures and GABA involvement.

Focal neuronal lipofuscinosis (FNL) is an uncommon epileptic disorder related to an excess of lipofuscin accumulation within dysmorphic-appearing neurons (DANs), whose epileptogenic mechanisms are still poorly understood. It shares some clinical and neuroimaging similarities with focal cortical dysplasia of type IIb (FCDIIb), but it represents a different pathological entity. Here, we identified two patients with FNL among a 10-year cohort of 323 patients who underwent neurosurgery for a focal pharmacoresistant epilepsy. We describe the electroclinical, metabolic and neuropathological features of both patients with FNL who benefited from a comprehensive presurgical investigation. While the previous reports showed frontal lobe localization of the lesion, FNL was identified in the temporal lobe, in one of our patients. EEG investigations in both patients showed striking focal and rich interictal activity resembling that described in FCDIIb. Besides focal intraneuronal lipofuscin accumulation, the neuropathological analysis demonstrated that somata of DANs were surrounded by a large amount of GABAergic presynaptic buttons, suggesting the involvement of interneurons in the epileptogenicity of FNL. To further explore the role of GABAergic transmission in the generation of epileptiform activity in FNL, we performed in vitro multi-electrode array recordings on the post-surgery tissue from one patient. Spontaneous interictal-like discharges (IILDs) were identified only in the restricted area displaying the highest density of lipofuscin-containing DANs, suggesting a close correlation between the density of lipofuscin-containing neurons and epileptogenicity. Moreover, IILDs were blocked by the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine. All together, these findings showed how GABA signaling may contribute to the generation of interictal-like activity in FNL tissue.

Effects of FW2 Nanoparticles Toxicity in a New In Vitro Pulmonary Vascular Cells Model Mimicking Endothelial Dysfunction.

Several epidemiological studies have revealed the involvement of nanoparticles (NPs) in respiratory and cardiovascular mortality. In this work, the focus will be on the effect of manufactured carbon black NPs for risk assessment of consumers and workers, as human exposure is likely to increase. Since the pulmonary circulation could be one of the primary targets of inhaled NPs, patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension (PH) could be a population at risk. To compare the toxic effect of carbon black NPs in the pulmonary circulation under physiologic and pathological conditions, we developed a new in vitro model mimicking the endothelial dysfunction and vascular dynamics observed in vascular pathology such as PH. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells were cultured under physiological conditions (static and normoxia 21% O2) or under pathological conditions (20% cycle stretch and hypoxia 1% O2). Then, cells were treated for 4 or 6 h with carbon black FW2 NPs from 5 to 10 µg/cm2. Different endpoints were studied: (i) NPs internalization by transmission electronic microscopy; (ii) oxidative stress by CM-H2DCFDA probe and electron paramagnetic resonance; (iii) NO (nitrites and nitrates) production by Griess reaction; (iv) inflammation by ELISA assay; and (v) calcium signaling by confocal microscopy. The present study characterizes the in vitro model mimicking endothelial dysfunction in PH and indicates that, under such pathological conditions, oxidative stress and inflammation are increased along with calcium signaling alterations, as compared to the physiological conditions. Human exposure to carbon black NPs could produce greater deleterious effects in vulnerable patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Predictive factors of postoperative outcome in the elderly after resective epilepsy surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of resective epilepsy surgery (RES) in patients over 50 years and determine prognostic factors. RESULTS: Over the 147 patients over 50 years (54.9±3.8 years [50-69]) coming from 8 specialized French centres for epilepsy surgery, 72.1%, patients were seizure-free and 91.2% had a good outcome 12 months after RES. Seizure freedom was not associated with the age at surgery or duration of epilepsy. In multivariate analysis, seizure freedom was associated with MRI and neuropathological hippocampal sclerosis (HS) (P=0.009 and P=0.028 respectively), PET hypometabolism (P=0.013), temporal epilepsy (P=0.01). On the contrary, the need for intracranial exploration was associated with a poorer prognosis (P=0.001). Postoperative number of antiepileptic drugs was significantly lower in the seizure-free group (P=0.001). Neurological adverse event rate after surgery was 21.1% and 11.7% of patients had neuropsychological adverse effects overall transient. CONCLUSIONS: RES is effective procedure in the elderly. Even safe it remains at higher risk of complication and population should be carefully selected. Nevertheless, age should not be considered as a limiting factor, especially when good prognostic factors are identified.

Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor Signaling Establishes AP-1 Gradients to Allow for Retinal Endothelial Cell Specialization.

Transcriptional mechanisms that drive angiogenesis and organotypic vascular endothelial cell specialization are poorly understood. Here, we show that retinal endothelial sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs), which restrain vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis, spatially restrict expression of JunB, a member of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors (TFs). Mechanistically, VEGF induces JunB expression at the sprouting vascular front while S1PR-dependent vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin assembly suppresses JunB expression in the nascent vascular network, thus creating a gradient of this TF. Endothelial-specific JunB knockout mice showed diminished expression of neurovascular guidance genes and attenuated retinal vascular network progression. In addition, endothelial S1PR signaling is required for normal expression of ß-catenin-dependent genes such as TCF/LEF1 and ZIC3 TFs, transporters, and junctional proteins. These results show that S1PR signaling restricts JunB function to the expanding vascular front, thus creating an AP-1 gradient and enabling organotypic endothelial cell specialization of the vascular network.

An aggregon in conductin/axin2 regulates Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and holds potential for cancer therapy.

The paralogous scaffold proteins axin and conductin/axin2 are key factors in the negative regulation of the Wnt pathway transcription factor ß-catenin, thereby representing interesting targets for signaling regulation. Polymerization of axin proteins is essential for their activity in suppressing Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Notably, conductin shows less polymerization and lower activity than axin. By domain swapping between axin and conductin we here identify an aggregation site in the conductin RGS domain which prevents conductin polymerization. Induction of conductin polymerization by point mutations of this aggregon results in enhanced inhibition of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Importantly, we identify a short peptide which induces conductin polymerization via masking the aggregon, thereby enhancing ß-catenin degradation, inhibiting ß-catenin-dependent transcription and repressing growth of colorectal cancer cells. Our study reveals a mechanism for regulating signaling pathways via the polymerization status of scaffold proteins and suggests a strategy for targeted colorectal cancer therapy.

Survival after breast cancer local recurrence according to therapeutic strategies.

AIMS: To compare survival outcomes after mastectomy (Mt) and lumpectomy plus interstitial brachytherapy (LpIB) in the treatment of breast cancer local recurrence (LR) occurring after conservative surgery. METHODS: Medical records of patients treated for an isolated LR from January 1, 1981 to December 31, 2009 were reviewed. To overcome the bias due to the fact that treatment choice (Mt or LpIB) was based on prognostic factors with LpIB proposed preferentially to women with good prognosis, Mt and LpIB populations were matched and compared with regard to overall survival (OS) and metastasis free survival (MFS). RESULTS: Among 348 patients analyzed, 66.7% underwent Mt, 17.8% LpIB and 15.5% Lp alone. After a median follow-up of 73.3 months, 65 patients had died (42/232 Mt, 8/62 LpIB, 15/54 Lp). Before matching, OS and MFS at 5 years were significantly better in the LpIB compared to the Mt group, due to significantly more frequent poor prognostic factors in the latter (p = 0,07 and p = 0,09 respectively, log-rank significance limit of 10%). After matching, the benefits of LpIB disappeared since MFS and OS rates were not significantly different in both groups (p = 0.68 and 0.88 respectively). After LpIB, the second LR rate was 17% at 5 years and 30% at 10 years. CONCLUSION: A second conservative breast cancer treatment associating lumpectomy and interstitial brachytherapy is possible for selected patients with LR, without decrease in neither OS nor MFS compared to mastectomy.

Perfil metabólico de ovinos em crescimento alimentados com dietas constituídas de feno ou silagem de maniçoba e palma forrageira / Substitution of Tifton 85 hay by hay or silage maniçoba in diets based on spineless cactus on metabolic profile of sheep

Objetivando-se avaliar o efeito da adição de palma forrageira associado à maniçoba na dieta de ovinos sobre o perfil de indicadores bioquímicos do metabolismo energético e proteico, foi realizado um delineamento em blocos casualizados onde foram utilizados 24 ovinos machos, sem padrão racial definido, com peso corporal médio de 19,77±1,95 kg e idade média de seis meses, divididos igualmente em três tratamentos: concentrado + feno Tifton 85, concentrado + feno de maniçoba e concentrado + silagem de maniçoba, e semelhantes partes de palma forrageira. Realizaram-se quatro coletas de sangue, que constituíram as repetições, com intervalos de 15 dias (0d, 15d, 3d0 e 45d). Em seguida, procederam-se as análises dos seguintes indicadores bioquímicos: creatinina sérica, ureia, proteína total, albumina, globulina, glicose, frutosamina, aspartato aminotransferase, fosfatase alcalina, gama glutamiltransferase, sódio, potássio, cloro, cálcio e fósforo. Maior consumo de matéria seca foi observado no grupo com feno de maniçoba. O tratamento com silagem de maniçoba apresentou diferença (P<0,05) no consumo de fibra em detergente neutro. Houve variações significativas na concentração de ureia nos animais que receberam a dieta composta de feno de maniçoba. Tanto o feno como a silagem de maniçoba, em até 30%, pode substituir o feno de Tifton 85 na alimentação de ovinos em terminação, mantendo efetivamente o consumo de matéria seca, rendimento de carcaça, os metabolismos proteico, energético e mineral, além de ser uma boa alternativa para a alimentação de ovinos.(AU)

Aiming to evaluate the effect of addition of cactus pear associated with maniçoba in the diet of sheep on the profile of biochemical indicators of energy metabolism and protein, we performed a randomized block design was used in which 24 male sheep without defined breed (SPRD), mean weight of 19.77±1.95 kg and average age of six months, divided equally into three treatments: concentrate + Tifton hay, concentrate + maniçoba hay and concentrate + maniçoba silage, and similar parts of cactus pear. There were four blood samples, which were repetitions at intervals of 15 days (0d, 15d, 3d and 45d). Then proceeded to the analysis of the following biochemical parameters: serum creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, fructosamine, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium and phosphorus. Higher dry matter intake was observed in the group with maniçoba hay. Treatment with maniçoba silage showed statistical differences (P<0.05) in the consumption of neutral detergent fiber. Significant variations were found in the concentration of urea in the animals fed the diet composed of maniçoba hay. Both hay and silage maniçoba, up to 30%, can replace the Tifton 85 hay for feeding finishing animals, effectively keeping the dry matter intake, carcass yield, the protein metabolism, energy and mineral, plus be a good alternative for feeding sheep.(AU)

Chromatin-Remodeling-Factor ARID1B Represses Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling.

The link of chromatin remodeling to both neurodevelopment and cancer has recently been highlighted by the identification of mutations affecting BAF chromatin-remodeling components, such as ARID1B, in individuals with intellectual disability and cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) remains unknown. Here, we show that ARID1B is a repressor of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Through whole-transcriptome analysis, we find that in individuals with intellectual disability and ARID1B loss-of-function mutations, Wnt/ß-catenin target genes are upregulated. Using cellular models of low and high Wnt/ß-catenin activity, we demonstrate that knockdown of ARID1B activates Wnt/ß-catenin target genes and Wnt/ß-catenin-dependent transcriptional reporters in a ß-catenin-dependent manner. Reciprocally, forced expression of ARID1B inhibits Wnt/ß-catenin signaling downstream of the ß-catenin destruction complex. Both endogenous and exogenous ARID1B associate with ß-catenin and repress Wnt/ß-catenin-mediated transcription through the BAF core subunit BRG1. Accordingly, mutations in ARID1B leading to partial or complete deletion of its BRG1-binding domain, as is often observed in intellectual disability and cancers, compromise association with ß-catenin, and the resultant ARID1B mutant proteins fail to suppress Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Finally, knockdown of ARID1B in mouse neuroblastoma cells leads to neurite outgrowth through ß-catenin. The data suggest that aberrations in chromatin-remodeling factors, such as ARID1B, might contribute to neurodevelopmental abnormalities and cancer through deregulation of developmental and oncogenic pathways, such as the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Are auras a reliable clinical indicator in medial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Medial temporal lobe epilepsy with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) is the most frequent form of surgical temporal lobe epilepsy. In this study, it was aimed to determine whether different types of aura represent a cardinal and characteristic feature of MTLE-HS and might provide a diagnostic complement to help identify patients who will be seizure-free after surgery. METHODS: All types of auras and associations of auras reported by 400 MTLE-HS patients referred for surgery were retrospectively collected and their statistical correlation with the postoperative outcome was examined in a subgroup of 305 patients who underwent surgery. RESULTS: A total of 876 auras were collected, classified into 12 categories. Globally, MTLE-HS patients reported widely variable auras and groupings of auras. Most common were autonomic and abdominal visceral auras, followed by psychoaffective and experiential auras; less common, but seen in 10%-15% of patients, were non-specific auras, somatosensory auras and visual auras, and least common, reported by less than 10% of patients, were auditory, gustatory, vestibular, olfactory and intellectual auras. No auras were reported in 10% of patients. 65% of patients experienced more than one type of aura (two to seven). No specific groupings of aura type were apparent. No evidence was found for correlation between postoperative outcome and (i) any category of aura, (ii) the number of categories of aura per patient and (iii) any association of categories of auras. CONCLUSION: Auras and association of auras vary widely in MTLE-HS and provide no useful insight into surgical outcome.

Lateralizing value of semiology in medial temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: Analysing the clinical characteristics of seizures constitutes a fundamental aspect of the presurgical evaluation of patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy and unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS), the most frequent form of focal epilepsy accessible to surgery. We sought to retrospectively determine whether objective manifestations could have a reliable lateralizing value in a large population of MTLE-HS patients and if their presence could help to identify those patients who would be seizure free after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the frequency and predictive lateralizing value of objective ictal and postictal signs in 391 patients with MTLE-HS (183 left/208 right). Data were derived from chart review and not from blinded videoEEG analysis. Correlation between the presence of reliable lateralizing signs and postoperative outcome was performed in a subgroup of 302 patients who underwent surgery. RESULTS: Contralateral dystonic posturing was the most frequent and reliable lateralizing sign that correctly lateralized the focus in 96% of patients. Unilateral head/eye deviation was noted in 42% of the patients and predicted unilateral focus in 67%. Ipsilateral postictal nose wiping, contralateral clonus and hypokinesia correctly lateralized the focus in 75%, 81%, respectively, and 100 of patients but were less frequently depicted. Postictal aphasia was a strong lateralizing sign for left MLE-HS. The presence of reliable lateralizing signs was not a predictor of seizure freedom. CONCLUSION: Seizure semiology is a simple tool that may permit reliable lateralization of the seizure focus in MTLE-HS. The presence of reliable lateralizing signs is not associated with a better postoperative outcome.

Immediate Placement and Restoration of an Implant in an Infected Socket in the Esthetic Zone.

INTRODUCTION: Despite recent reports on immediate implant placement in infected sockets, it remains unclear whether positive functional and esthetic results are repeatable in treating teeth with periapical infections. This case report describes important diagnostic factors and decision-making steps in the treatment planning of a fractured tooth with a periapical lesion in the anterior maxilla. CASE PRESENTATION: A healthy, non-smoking 36-year-old male patient presented with the chief complaint of trauma to the right maxillary central incisor. Radiographs displayed horizontal root fracture and a periapical lesion. Treatment comprised extraction of the fractured tooth with minimal trauma, followed by immediate implant placement and provisionalization. Clinical and radiographic analyses at 12 months after surgery showed maintenance of soft- and hard-tissue configuration and symmetry with the contralateral tooth. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach and careful case selection are of utmost importance for the successful treatment of challenging implant therapy. This case report shows esthetic and functional results 1 year after the immediate placement and functional loading of an implant in an infected socket in the esthetic zone.

Effect of substrate provision on performance and behaviour of laying hens in the pecking and scratching area of furnished cages.

1. An experiment was set up to study the effects of substrate provision on performance and behaviour in the pecking and scratching area (PSA) of non-beak-trimmed hens housed in large furnished cages (60 hens/cage). 2. Three layer hybrids (two brown and one white, ISA-Hendrix Genetics, France) and two substrate conditions (with or without wheat bran automatically distributed on the PSA) were compared in a 3 × 2 experimental design with 12 cages per treatment. 3. Substrate distribution improved laying rate with no impact on the frequency of dirty or cracked eggs. 4. Substrate distribution improved the viability and body integrity of hens, which were not beak-trimmed. 5. Distribution of substrate tended to increase the number of hens in the PSA and enhanced their pecking and scratching behaviours but had a negative impact on the number of dust bath bouts per cage and encouraged dust bathing on the wire floor close to the feeder. 6. The white hens laid more eggs in the nest than the brown birds and used the PSA more for pecking, scratching and dust bathing at the end of the day than the brown hens, underlining the necessity to adapt cage furnishing and rearing management to specific behaviours of each layer genotype.

Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) membrane recruitment 3, a member of the APC membrane recruitment family of APC-binding proteins, is a positive regulator of Wnt-ß-catenin signalling.

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) membrane recruitment (Amer) family proteins Amer1/Wilms tumour gene on the X chromosome and Amer2 are binding partners of the APC tumour suppressor protein, and act as negative regulators in the Wnt signalling cascade. So far, nothing has been known about the third member of the family, Amer3. Here we show that Amer3 binds to the armadillo repeat domain of APC, similarly to Amer1 and Amer2. Amer3 also binds to the Wnt pathway regulator conductin/axin2. Furthermore, we identified Amer1 as binding partner of Amer3. Whereas Amer1 and Amer2 are linked to the plasma membrane by an N-terminal membrane localization domain, Amer3 lacks this domain. Amer3 localizes to the cytoplasm and nucleus of epithelial cells, and this is dependent on specific nuclear import and export sequences. Functionally, exogenous Amer3 enhances the expression of a ß-catenin/T-cell factor-dependent reporter gene, and knockdown of endogenous Amer3 reduces Wnt target gene expression in colorectal cancer cells. Thus, Amer3 acts as an activator of Wnt signalling, in contrast to Amer1 and Amer2, which are inhibitors, suggesting a nonredundant role of Amer proteins in the regulation of this pathway. Our data, together with those of previous studies, provide a comprehensive picture of similarities and differences within the Amer protein family.

Expression and localization of axin 2 in colorectal carcinoma and its clinical implication.

PURPOSE: Aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway plays a major role in the development of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Axin 2 is a key protein of this pathway and is upregulated in CRC. Here, we investigated RNA- and protein expression of axin 2 in CRC tissues at the single cell level. Moreover, the association of axin 2 with prognosis and survival was investigated in a large cohort of CRC patients (n = 280). METHODS: Localization and expression of axin 2 and ß-catenin was investigated using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining. The quantitative expression levels of axin 2 were determined using RT-qPCR. The association of axin 2 expression with prognosis and survival of the patients was determined by statistical analysis (logrank test, Kaplan-Meier). RESULTS: Our results confirmed the upregulation of axin 2 in CRC and showed that it is broadly expressed in the cytoplasm of the tumor epithelial cells both, in the tumor center and at the invasion front. Axin 2 was rarely expressed by tumor stromal cells and only weakly by normal colonic epithelial cells. Staining of ß-catenin and axin 2 in consecutive CRC tissue sections revealed that nuclear translocation of ß-catenin in the tumor front was not associated with changes in the cytoplasmic localization of axin 2. Axin 2 did not show any association with proven prognostic factors or survival of the CRC patients. CONCLUSION: The generally increased expression of axin 2 in all tumor stages as compared to normal tissue suggests an initiating pathogenic function in the development of CRC.

Plumage condition, body weight, mortality, and zootechnical performances: the effects of linings and litter provision in furnished cages for laying hens.

This experiment was designed to determine the effect of litter provision and lining in nests and pecking and scratching areas on health and zootechnical performances. Research was carried out in furnished cages, each housing 60 beak-trimmed ISA Brown hens. Four different treatments were compared in a factorial arrangement, including 2 different nest linings (artificial turf versus plastic mesh), either used alone or combined with the use of litter (wheat bran) spread over the rubber mat in the pecking and scratching area (PSA). An additional treatment using artificial turf mat in the PSA and nests (as commonly used in commercial flocks) was used to compare the effect of PSA lining in the other treatments. Zootechnical performances (laying rate, egg weight, and feed intake) were unaffected by PSA lining or by nest lining. The use of artificial turf mats in the PSA resulted in less feather loss than rubber mats, especially on breast and cloaca/vent areas. No consequences were observed on BW or mortality. However, the use of plastic mesh in nests was seen to increase mortality in comparison with artificial turf mats, without affecting plumage condition and BW. Although wheat bran provision did not influence feed intake and laying rate, litter provision did result in slightly higher mean egg weight. Moreover, BW tended to be lower when litter was distributed in cages, and neck and breast plumage condition improved. The distribution of litter was not seen to have any effect on mortality. The provision of litter and the lining of the PSA and nests to improve the welfare of caged laying hens have an effect on mortality, plumage quality, and some zootechnical performances. These results show the importance of choosing the most suitable linings and litter to obtain the best possible compromise between the ethological needs of laying hens, zootechnical performance, and animal health.

Amer2 protein interacts with EB1 protein and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and controls microtubule stability and cell migration.

EB1 is key factor in the organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton by binding to the plus-ends of microtubules and serving as a platform for a number of interacting proteins (termed +TIPs) that control microtubule dynamics. Together with its direct binding partner adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), EB1 can stabilize microtubules. Here, we show that Amer2 (APC membrane recruitment 2), a previously identified membrane-associated APC-binding protein, is a direct interaction partner of EB1 and acts as regulator of microtubule stability together with EB1. Amer2 binds to EB1 via specific (S/T)xIP motifs and recruits it to the plasma membrane. Coexpression of Amer2 and EB1 generates stabilized microtubules at the plasma membrane, whereas knockdown of Amer2 leads to destabilization of microtubules. Knockdown of Amer2, APC, or EB1 reduces cell migration, and morpholino-mediated down-regulation of Xenopus Amer2 blocks convergent extension cell movements, suggesting that the Amer2-EB1-APC complex regulates cell migration by altering microtubule stability.

[Feasibility study about the single-port in gynecologic oncology surgery]. / Étude de faisabilité sur le mono-trocart en chirurgie gynécologique oncologique.

OBJECTIVES: To describe our single-port experience in gynecologic oncology surgery, and emphasize the feasibility to use the single-port in this surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective, feasibility study, monocentric. All patients who were operated by the single-port, between 1st January 2010 to 1st November 2011, were included. RESULTS: We note that 107 patients were included. We made different interventions: uni- and bilateral salpingo-ovariectomy, hysterectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymph node sampling or lymphadenectomy in gynecologic malignancies. The median age of the population and the body mass index were respectively 52 and 22.6 kg/m(2). In total, six interventions will be converted. The median hospital stay of patients, all procedures combined, was 2 days. We find low rate of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Gynecological cancer surgery appears feasible for single-port. However, we need other studies to confirm a benefit of using the single-port compared to conventional laparoscopy.

Cage hygiene, laying location, and egg quality: the effects of linings and litter provision in furnished cages for laying hens.

This study investigates the influence of litter provision and linings used for nests and pecking and scratching areas on cage hygiene, laying location, and egg quality. Research was carried out in furnished cages, each housing 60 beak-trimmed ISA Brown hens. Four different treatments were compared in a factorial arrangement, including 2 different nest linings (artificial turf vs. plastic mesh), either used alone or combined with the use of litter (wheat bran) spread over the rubber mat in the pecking and scratching area (PSA). An additional treatment, using artificial turf mat in the PSA and nests (as commonly used in commercial flocks), was used to compare the effect of PSA lining in the other treatments. We observed laying location, the number of dirty and broken eggs, the microbiological contamination of eggshells according to laying location, and general cage hygiene. The use of nests for laying decreased when they were lined with plastic mesh. Eggs laid outside the nest were of lower quality than those laid inside it, and this was particularly true for eggs laid in the PSA. Although hygiene was low on artificial turf mats, eggs laid on PSA covered with a rubber mat were dirtier and had a higher count of mesophilic bacteria on the eggshell than those laid on PSA covered with an artificial turf mat. Rubber mats in PSA were rapidly destroyed and proved to be unsuitable. The provision of litter had no effect on cage hygiene but substantially increased wear on mats. This study shows nest lining and litter provision methods to be key factors that need to be taken into account to encourage the use of nest boxes for laying, and hence, to ensure good egg quality. Further research into new linings for PSA is needed for the future improvement of egg-laying conditions.