Evaluating the potential of biodiversity offsets to achieve net gain.

Evaluating the outcomes and tracking the trajectory of biodiversity offsets is essential to demonstrating their effectiveness as a mechanism to conciliate development and conservation. We reviewed the literature to determine the principles that should underpin biodiversity offset planning and the criteria for offset evaluation at the project level. According to the literature, the core principles of equivalence, additionality, and permanence are used as criteria to evaluate conservation outcomes of offsets. We applied the criteria to evaluate offsets of a large iron ore mining project in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. We examined equivalence in terms of the amount of area per biodiversity value affected and fauna and flora similarity, additionality in terms of landscape connectivity, and permanence in terms of guarantees to ensure protection and restoration offsets lasting outcomes. We found an offset ratio (amount of affected area:offset area) of 1:1.8 for forests and 1:2 for grasslands. Ecological equivalence (i.e., similarity between affected and offset areas) was found for forested areas, but not for ferruginous rupestrian grasslands or for fauna. Landscape metrics showed that connectivity improved relative to the preproject situation as a result of locating restoration offsets in the largest and best-connected forest patch. Permanence of offsets was addressed by establishing covenants and management measures, but financial guarantees to cover maintenance costs after mine closure were lacking. Offsets should be equivalent in type and size, provide conservation outcomes that would not be obtained without them (additionality), and be lasting (permanence). To monitor and evaluate offsets, it is necessary to determine how well these 3 principles are applied in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of offsets. Achieving measurable conservation outcomes from offsets is a long-term endeavor that requires sustained management support, and is information intensive. Thus, offsets require ongoing monitoring and evaluation as well as adaptive management.

Evaluación del potencial de las compensaciones por biodiversidad para obtener ganancias netas Resumen La evaluación de resultados y el rastreo de la trayectoria de las compensaciones por biodiversidad son esenciales para demostrar su efectividad como mecanismo de conciliación entre el desarrollo y la conservación. Revisamos la literatura para determinar los principios que deberían sustentar los planes de compensación y los criterios para evaluarla a nivel de proyecto. Según la literatura, se usan los principios nucleares de equivalencia, adicionalidad y permanencia como criterio para evaluar los resultados de conservación de las compensaciones. Aplicamos este criterio para evaluar las compensaciones de un gran proyecto minero de mineral de hierro en el Bosque Atlántico de Brasil. Analizamos la equivalencia en términos de cantidad de área por valor de biodiversidad afectado y similitudes entre la flora y fauna; la adicionalidad en términos de conectividad de paisaje; y la permanencia en términos de las garantías que aseguran que las compensaciones tengan resultados longevos de restauración y protección. Descubrimos una proporción en las compensaciones (cantidad del área afectada:área de compensación) de 1:1.8 para los bosques y de 1:2 en los campos naturales. Encontramos equivalencias ecológicas (es decir, la similitud entre las áreas afectadas y las de compensación) para las áreas boscosas, pero no para los campos rupestres ferruginosos ni para la fauna. Las medidas del paisaje mostraron que la conectividad mejoró en relación a la situación previa al proyecto gracias a la ubicación de las compensaciones por restauración en los fragmentos de bosque más grandes y mejor conectados. Establecimos Contractos y medidas de manejo fueron establecidos la permanencia de las compensaciones, pero las garantías económicas para cubrir los costos de mantenimiento después del cierre de la mina no están suficientemente garantizadas. Las compensaciones deberían ser iguales en tipo y tamaño (equivalencia), proporcionar resultados de conservación que no se obtendrían en su ausencia (adicionalidad) y ser duraderas (permanencia). Se necesita determinar cómo se aplican estos tres principios en la planeación, implementación y mantenimiento de las compensaciones para poder monitorearlas. Si se quieren lograr resultados medibles de conservación, se necesita que el manejo cuente con un apoyo mantenido y a largo plazo que contenga con información intensiva. Por lo tanto, las compensaciones requieren un monitoreo y evaluación continua además del manejo adaptativo.

Handgrip strength and respiratory disease mortality: Longitudinal analyses from SHARE.

BACKGROUND: While the association between handgrip strength and all-cause mortality is more deeply explored, no previous studies have been specifically focused on handgrip strength and respiratory disease mortality. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between handgrip strength and respiratory disease mortality in a large representative sample. METHODS: Individuals aged 50 or over from 27 European countries and Israel participated in this longitudinal study. Data on handgrip strength and all-cause and respiratory disease mortality were retrieved from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) waves 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7. We estimated the sub hazard ratios (SHRs) for respiratory disease mortality using a Fine-Gray sub-distribution method with both time-varying exposure and covariates and mortality due to other causes as competing risk. Furthermore, we assessed dose-response associations of handgrip strength (modelled as a continuous exposure) with respiratory disease mortality using restricted cubic splines and estimated hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: We included 60,883 men and 74,904 women with a mean age of 63.6 (SD 9.7) years at study entry. During a median (interquartile range) of 7.4 years of follow-up 565 (0.4%) participants died due to respiratory diseases. The increase of 1 single kg of handgrip strength showed a 6% incidence reduction on respiratory disease mortality (SHR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.92-0.96) after adjusting for potential confounders. Furthermore, each kg increase of handgrip strength reduced respiratory disease mortality risk in a dose-response fashion and a significant threshold for values of 41 kg (HR, 0.49; 95%CI, 0.26-0.92) and higher was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Higher handgrip strength is associated with lower mortality due to respiratory disease. Intervention studies are needed to determine whether strength training in respiratory disease patients can prevent premature mortality.

Reliability of point-of-care coagulometer measurements in patients with acute ischaemic stroke receiving intravenous fibrinolysis. / Fiabilidad del coagulómetro portátil en pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo tratados con fibrinólisis intravenosa.

BACKGROUND: Speed of administration conditions the effectiveness of intravenous fibrinolysis in treating acute ischaemic stroke. To reduce the risk of haemorrhagic complications, the intervention is contraindicated in certain cases, such as where the International Normalised Ratio (INR) is ≥ 1.7. This study aimed to determine the reliability of point-of-care INR readings (POC-INR) taken using the CoaguChek® XS portable coagulometer compared to laboratory results (L-INR). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted to our centre with acute ischaemic stroke and who were treated with intravenous fibrinolysis, over a period of 4 years. Patients' INR was measured with a portable coagulometer and in the laboratory. Results were compared using the paired-sample t test; using L-INR results as a reference value, ROC analysis was performed to determine POC-INR with greater predictive value. RESULTS: The study included 210 patients with a mean age of 74.3±11.5 years old; 18 (8.6%) were taking vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (OAC). There were no significant differences between the 2 INR measurements in the population as a whole (POC-INR-L-INR difference: 0.001±0.085; P=.82). In subgroup analysis, the results coincided for patients taking OACs (0.001±0.081; P=.42) and those with L-INR ≤ 1.2 (0.008±0.081; P=.16). For L-INR>1.2, however, the portable coagulometer underestimated INR (0.058±0.095; P=.01). Through ROC analysis, POC-INR < 1.6 was found to be the cut-off point with greatest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.97%) for identifying patients eligible for intravenous fibrinolysis (L-INR < 1.7). CONCLUSIONS: POC-INR shows a good correlation with L-INR. Our results suggest that the best threshold to predict an L-INR < 1.7 is POC-INR < 1.6. Internal validation studies for POC-INR should be considered in all treatment centres.

Association between physical activity and sickness absenteeism in university workers.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary occupations have increased by more than 10% in Western countries over the last two decades, and the yearly global cost of physical inactivity has been estimated to be $53.8 billion. As workers tend to move less in the workplace, they are more likely to develop a sedentarism-related chronic condition and to be absent from work due to illness, although research evidence on the issue remains unclear. AIMS: To investigate associations between physical activity (PA) and sickness absenteeism in the workplace among Spanish university workers. METHODS: We conducted cross-sectional research with data from 1025 workers aged 18-65 years (43% women) from a Spanish university. Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short versions were used to evaluate levels of PA. Workplace absenteeism was self-reported by participants. Written questionnaires distributed during medical checks included PAVS, IPAQ and the question about absenteeism among other information. The association between PA and sickness absenteeism was examined using adjusted multiple linear regression. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, sex, job function, chronic conditions, sedentarism and smoking, each weekly hour of PA reduced sickness absence by -1.20 (95% confidence interval: -2.40-0.00) days per year. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of PA promotion strategies aimed at university employees may lead to a reduction of days off work due to illness.

Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning and Postconditioning in a Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model: A Comparative Experimental Study in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is an unavoidable aspect of transplantation, as well as an important cause of acute kidney injury in clinical practice. Pre- and post-ischemic conditioning are strategies that may provide organs with resistance to major ischemic events. This study evaluates the effects of ischemic preconditioning and ischemic postconditioning, either separately or in combination, after an acute ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats received isoflurane anesthesia and were randomized into 5 groups: 1. the sham group underwent laparotomy; 2. the control group underwent laparotomy and 30 minutes of renal ischemia followed by reperfusion; 3. the preconditioning group underwent laparotomy, ischemic preconditioning, and 30 minutes of renal ischemia followed by reperfusion; 4. the preconditioning and postconditioning group underwent laparotomy, ischemic preconditioning, 30 minutes of renal ischemia, and ischemic postconditioning followed by reperfusion; and 5. the postconditioning group underwent laparotomy, 30 minutes of renal ischemia, and ischemic postconditioning followed by reperfusion. Serum analyses of creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were performed, and renal histology was examined 24 hours later. RESULTS: Severe tubular injury and increases in creatinine were observed in all groups except the sham group. The control group and all ischemic conditioning groups were no different in the degree of renal injury and values of NGAL and creatinine after the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic preconditioning and ischemic postconditioning, together or separately, are unable to preserve kidney function or exert a protective effect against tubular cell injury after an acute ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury.

TRIENNIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: Dedifferentiated fat cells: Potential and perspectives for their use in clinical and animal science purpose.

An increasing body of evidences has demonstrated the ability of the mature adipocyte to dedifferentiate into a population of proliferative-competent cells known as dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. As early as the 1970s, in vitro studies showed that DFAT cells may be obtained by ceiling culture, which takes advantage of the buoyancy property of lipid-filled cells. It was documented that DFAT cells may acquire a phenotype similar to mesenchymal stem cells and yet may differentiate into multiple cell lineages, such as skeletal and smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes. Additionally, recent studies showed the ability of isolated mature adipocytes to dedifferentiate in vivo and the capacity of the progeny cells to redifferentiate into mature adipocytes, contributing to the increase of body fatness. These findings shed light on the potential for use of DFAT cells, not only for clinical purposes but also within the animal science field, because increasing intramuscular fat without excessive increase in other fat depots is a challenge in livestock production. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the dedifferentiation and redifferentiation of DFAT cells will allow the development of strategies for their use for clinical and animal science purposes. In this review, we highlight several aspects of DFAT cells, their potential for clinical purposes, and their contribution to adipose tissue mass in livestock.

Purification process for MUFA- and PUFA-based monoacylglycerols from edible oils.

Important health benefits have been attributed to monoacylglycerols (MAGs) due to their various physiological functions, owing to which they become candidates for use as functional foods in order to prevent the onset of certain diseases such as colon cancer. In this work, six edible oils, namely: olive, linseed, sunflower, evening primrose, DHASCO® and ARASCO® have been processed to obtain different MUFA- and PUFA- based MAGs. First, the oils were hydrolyzed by means of an enzymatic process using porcine pancreatic lipase and then the reaction products were fractionated by using a liquid chromatography column containing silica gel as stationary phase in order to purify the MAGs-enriched fraction. A second chromatography process was performed using silver nitrate coated silica gel as stationary phase, in order to obtain the different MUFA- and PUFA-based MAGs from the corresponding oils. Overall, MAGs based on oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, γ-linolenic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids have been isolated in high yields and purities (92.6, 97.4, 95.3, 90.9, 100 and 95.3% purity, respectively). Positional distribution was determined by means of 1H NMR, which revealed a mix of 1(3) and 2-MAGs in variable proportions in the different MAGs.

A retrospective comparison of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimens for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with carboplatin/paclitaxel has been shown to increase survival in patients with esophageal cancer, including gastroesophageal junction (GE) junction cancer, over surgery alone; however, there have been no studies comparing the different neoadjuvant CRT regimens. We retrospectively evaluated the long-term results of trimodality therapy for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer treated on several chemotherapy regimens. Between 1999 and 2014, 215 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer underwent neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgical resection. The median age was 62 years (range 21-84), 80.5% were men and 86% had adenocarcinoma. The following chemotherapy regimens were administered: cisplatin/5FU (14.9%), cisplatin/irinotecan (35.8%), carboplatin/paclitaxel (35.8%), and other (9.7%). The majority of patients (92.1%) received a radiation dose of 50.4 Gy. Predictors of toxicities and surgical complications were assessed using logistic regression. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and proportional hazards regression was used to model time-to-event outcomes. The median follow-up among surviving patients was 4.1 years (range 0.4,13). The median OS was 3.0 years from time of diagnosis and OS was 36.8% at 5 years. RFS was 34.9% at 5 years. After neoadjuvant CRT, 34.7% of patients achieved a pathologic complete response including 60.7% of squamous cell carcinoma patients and 18.4% of adenocarcinoma patients (P < 0.001) and 66% were downstaged. Of the variables examined, pathologic stage, preoperative baseline cardiac comorbidity, postoperative cardiac or pulmonary complications, and chemotherapy regimen were associated with OS. Using cisplatin and 5FU as the reference regimen, patients treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel had significantly improved OS (HR = 0.47, P = 0.017 after adjusting for surgery type, radiation modality, baseline cardiac comorbidity, and preoperative stage) with 5-year OS rate of 66%. The most common surgical complications were cardiac in 61 patients (28.5%) and pulmonary in 52 patients (24.3%). Cardiac complications were associated with age (OR 1.05, P = 0.007) and cardiac comorbidity (OR 2.6, P = 0.02) and pulmonary complications with female gender (OR 3.98, P < 0.001). Forty-four patients (20.5%) required readmission within 30 days of discharge, and readmission was associated with cardiac comorbidity (OR 2.7, P = 0.017). Three patients died within 30 days of surgery. We observed an association between neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel and improved overall survival that requires confirmation in a prospective randomized trial.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Red Deer - Experimental Infection and Test Methods Performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a number of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) test methods for use in red deer. Ten animals were intranasally inoculated with the FMD virus (FMDV) O UKG 11/2001, monitored for clinical signs, and samples taken regularly (blood, serum, oral swabs, nasal swabs, probang samples and lesion swabs, if present) over a 4-week period. Only one animal, deer 1103, developed clinical signs (lesions under the tongue and at the coronary band of the right hind hoof). It tested positive by 3D and IRES real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) in various swabs, lesion materials and serum. In a non-structural protein (NSP) in-house ELISA (NSP-ELISA-IH), one commercial ELISA (NSP-ELISA-PR) and a commercial antibody NSP pen side test, only deer 1103 showed positive results from day post-inoculation (dpi) 14 onwards. Two other NSP-ELISAs detected anti-NSP serum antibodies with lower sensitivity. It also showed rising antibody levels in the virus neutralization test (VNT), the in-house SPO-ELISA-IH and the commercial SPO-ELISA-PR at dpi 9, and in another two commercial SPO-ELISAs at dpi 12 (SPO-ELISA-IV) and dpi 19 (SPO-ELISA-IZ), respectively. Six of the red deer that had been rRT-PCR and antibody negative were re-inoculated intramuscularly with the same O-serotype FMDV at dpi 14. None of these animals became rRT-PCR or NSP-ELISA positive, but all six animals became positive in the VNT, the in-house SPO-ELISA-IH and the commercial SPO-ELISA-PR. Two other commercial SPO-ELISAs were less sensitive or failed to detect animals as positive. The rRT-PCRs and the four most sensitive commercial ELISAs that had been used for the experimentally inoculated deer were further evaluated for diagnostic specificity (DSP) using 950 serum samples and 200 nasal swabs from non-infected animals. DSPs were 100% for the rRT-PCRs and between 99.8 and 100% for the ELISAs.

Transplantation of amniotic membrane-derived multipotent cells ameliorates and delays the progression of chronic kidney disease in cats.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common clinical condition in domestic cats, characterized by tubulointerstitial, vascular and glomerular inflammation and severe fibrosis. Studies in rodent model of induced CKD have shown a decrease and stabilization of the clinical condition. In this study was evaluated the safety and effect of intrarenal and intravenous infusion of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) derived from feline amniotic membrane in cats with naturally occurring CKD. Cat AMSCs were harvested after mechanical and enzymatic digestion of amnion. A healthy cat received intrarenal injection of AMSCs guided by ultrasound in both kidneys (5 × 105  cells/kidney). Nine cats with CDK received repeated intravenous infusions of AMSCs (2 × 106 cells × 2 treatments). The clinical parameters of healthy cat did not change, but sedation and general anaesthesia was required. The number of interventions stressed the animal, and he developed transient haematuria after AMSC injection. Cats with CDK registered a significant improvement of renal function (decrease in serum creatinine and urine protein concentrations and increase in urine specific gravity). The kidney architecture and morphology did not change following the treatment. The feline AMSCs have a renoprotective effect and improve renal function in cats with naturally occurring CKD, stabilizing the clinical condition and disease progression. Thus, intravenous injection of AMSCs may be an important tool to provide welfare in cats with chronic kidney disease.

Phytochemical Composition and Antitumor Activities of New Salad Greens: Rucola (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) and Corn Salad (Valerianella locusta).

D. tenuifolia and V. locusta, two greens, were analyzed for active compounds and antitumor actions on colorectal cancer cells. Phenolics were determined by UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS; carotenoids and glucosinolates by HPLC-MS; and sterols and fatty acids by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). For antitumor effects, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tests were run on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, and in CCD-18 untransformed enterocyte cells. Six main carotenoids were identified in both vegetables, while total carotenoids accounted for 3520 and 2970 µg · g(-1) dry weight in D. tenuifolia and V. locusta, respectively. Six phenolics were detected in D. tenuifolia (68,600 µg · g(-1) dry weight) and five in V. locusta (139,000 µg · g(-1) dry weight). Three glucosinolates (GSL) were found in D. tenuifolia (1960 µg · g(-1) dry wt. total). Low-polarity extracts from V. locusta and D. tenuifolia showed IC50 ~ 150 and ~200 µg · mL(-1) on HT-29 cells, while both plants lacked actions on CCD-18 cells. V. locusta inhibited HT-29 cancer cells viability more efficiently than D. tenuiofolia, but induced less cytotoxicity. This work highlights the importance of functional foods for colorectal cancer prevention.

Downregulation of ATM Gene and Protein Expression in Canine Mammary Tumors.

The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene encodes a protein associated with DNA damage repair and maintenance of genomic integrity. In women, ATM transcript and protein downregulation have been reported in sporadic breast carcinomas, and the absence of ATM protein expression has been associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate ATM gene and protein expression in canine mammary tumors and their association with clinical outcome. ATM gene and protein expression was evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in normal mammary gland samples (n = 10), benign mammary tumors (n = 11), nonmetastatic mammary carcinomas (n = 19), and metastatic mammary carcinomas (n = 11). Lower ATM transcript levels were detected in benign mammary tumors and carcinomas compared with normal mammary glands (P = .011). Similarly, lower ATM protein expression was observed in benign tumors (P = .0003), nonmetastatic mammary carcinomas (P < .0001), and the primary sites of metastatic carcinomas (P < .0001) compared with normal mammary glands. No significant differences in ATM gene or protein levels were detected among benign tumors and nonmetastatic and metastatic mammary carcinomas (P > .05). The levels of ATM gene or protein expression were not significantly associated with clinical and pathological features or with survival. Similar to human breast cancer, the data in this study suggest that ATM gene and protein downregulation is involved in canine mammary gland tumorigenesis.

Water level effect on herbaceous plant assemblages at an artificial reservoir-Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil.

This study presents the effect of water level variation on the assemblages of herbaceous species in Mourão I Reservoir, Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil. The structure and distribution of populations was examined in February (dry period) and April (rainy period), 2011, in two transects. These transects started at the forest edge towards the center of the lake. The end of the transect coincided with the end of the plants within the lake. On every two meters along of the transects we sampled a wooden square of 0.25 m(2) for species biomass analysis.The macrophyte stand was composed entirely of emergent species. Considering the periods, most species were less frequent in the rainy period (April), but Ipomea ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, Commelina nudiflora L., Eleocharis acuntagula (Roxb.) Schult. and Verbena litorales (Kunth.) had their frequency increased during this period, probably due to their resistance. The influence of flood as measured by the NMDS point out that both before and after the flood, there are plots with distinct compositions and biomass. The water level variation affects the dynamics of plant composition and structure in marginal areas of the Reservoir.

Exigência de lisina digestível para poedeiras semipesadas de 50 a 66 semanas de idade / Digestible lysine requirement for laying hens from 50 to 66 weeks of age

Com o objetivo de determinar a exigência de lisina digestível para poedeiras semipesadas no período de 50 a 66 semanas de idade, foi realizado experimento utilizando-se 150 poedeiras Shaver Brown, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (níveis de lisina digestível: 0,79; 0,82; 0,85; 0,88 e 0,91%), seis repetições e cinco aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados a produção de ovos, peso médio e a massa de ovos, consumo de ração e de lisina, conversão alimentar por massa e por dúzia de ovos, gravidade específica, unidade Haugh, o índice de gema e albúmen, porcentagem de albúmen, gema e casca. O consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar por massa e dúzia de ovos, a produção, o peso e a massa de ovos não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pelos níveis de lisina digestível. Houve aumento linear no consumo de lisina (P<0,01) com o incremento dos níveis desse aminoácido nas rações. As porcentagens de albúmen, gema e casca não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelos níveis de lisina digestível estudados. Os níveis de lisina influenciaram de forma quadrática (P>0,05) a unidade Haugh e o índice de albúmen, sendo estimados os níveis de 0,884 e 0,868% de lisina digestível, respectivamente. Para o índice de gema, a associação do modelo quadrático ao Linear Response Plateau (LRP) estimou o nível de 0,903% de lisina digestível. Quando o objetivo é maximizar a qualidade interna dos ovos, recomenda-se o nível dietético de 0,884%, 0,868% e 0,903% de lisina digestível para unidade Haugh, índice de albúmen e índice de gema, respectivamente.

With the objective of determining the requirement of digestible lysine for brown-egg laying hens in the period from 50 to 66 weeks of age, an experiment was carried out using 150 Shaver Brown laying hens, distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments (digestible lysine levels: 0.79, 0.82, 0.85, 0.88 and 0.91%), six replications and five birds per experimental unit. The production of eggs, weight and the egg mass, feed intake and lysine, feed mass and dozen eggs, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk and albumen index, percentage of albumen, yolk and bark were analyzed. Feed intake, feed conversion per dozen of eggs s and per egg mass, egg production, egg weight and egg mass were not influenced (P>0.05) by digestible lysine levels. There was a linear increase in lysine intake (P<0.01) with increasing levels of this amino acid in the diets. The albumen, yolk and shell percentages were not influenced (P>0.05) by studied digestible lysine levels. Lysine levels had a quadratic effect (P>0.05) Haugh unit and albumen index being estimated as 0.884 and 0.868% digestible lysine levels, respectively. For yolk index, the association of the quadratic model to Linear Response Plateau (LRP) estimated the level of 0.903% digestible lysine. When the aim is to maximize the internal egg quality, a dietary level of 0.884%, 0.868% and 0.903% digestible lysine for Haugh unit, albumen index and yolk index, respectively is recommended.

Water level effect on herbaceous plant assemblages at an artificial reservoir-Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil / O efeito do nível hidrométrico sobre a vegetação herbácea de um reservatório artificial no Sul do Brasil

This study presents the effect of water level variation on the assemblages of herbaceous species in Mourão I Reservoir, Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil. The structure and distribution of populations was examined in February (dry period) and April (rainy period), 2011, in two transects. These transects started at the forest edge towards the center of the lake. The end of the transect coincided with the end of the plants within the lake. On every two meters along of the transects we sampled a wooden square of 0.25 m2 for species biomass analysis.The macrophyte stand was composed entirely of emergent species. Considering the periods, most species were less frequent in the rainy period (April), but Ipomea ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, Commelina nudiflora L., Eleocharis acuntagula (Roxb.) Schult. and Verbena litorales (Kunth.) had their frequency increased during this period, probably due to their resistance. The influence of flood as measured by the NMDS point out that both before and after the flood, there are plots with distinct compositions and biomass. The water level variation affects the dynamics of plant composition and structure in marginal areas of the Reservoir.

Resumo Este estudo apresenta o efeito da variação no nível hidrométrico do reservatório Mourão I, no Parque Estadual do Lago Azul, Paraná sobre a assembleia de espécies herbáceas na região de formação do reservatório. O estudo da estrutura e distribuição das populações foi realizado nos meses de fevereiro (seca) e abril (cheia) de 2011, para isto estabeleceu-se em pontos distintos duas transecções. As transecções começavam na bordada floresta em direção ao centro do lago. O fim da coleta na transecção acontecia quando acabavam as plantas dentro do lago. Ao longo das transecções a cada dois metros um quadrado de madeira com área de 0,25 m2 foi utilizado para amostrar as espécies, com coleta de biomassa. A maioria das espécies teve sua frequência reduzida durante a cheia (abril), porém Ipomea ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, Commelina nudiflora L., Eleocharis acuntagula (Roxb.) Schult. e Verbena litorales (Kunth.) aumentaram sua frequência durante esse período. A influência da cheia medida pelo NMS indica que tanto antes da cheia quanto após a cheia existem parcelas com composições e biomassa típicas. A variação hidrométrica tem influência sobre a dinâmica da composição e estrutural vegetal nas áreas marginais do reservatório.

Water level effect on herbaceous plant assemblages at an artificial reservoir-Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil

This study presents the effect of water level variation on the assemblages of herbaceous species in Mourão I Reservoir, Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil. The structure and distribution of populations was examined in February (dry period) and April (rainy period), 2011, in two transects. These transects started at the forest edge towards the center of the lake. The end of the transect coincided with the end of the plants within the lake. On every two meters along of the transects we sampled a wooden square of 0.25 m2 for species biomass analysis.The macrophyte stand was composed entirely of emergent species. Considering the periods, most species were less frequent in the rainy period (April), but Ipomea ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, Commelina nudiflora L., Eleocharis acuntagula (Roxb.) Schult. and Verbena litorales (Kunth.) had their frequency increased during this period, probably due to their resistance. The influence of flood as measured by the NMDS point out that both before and after the flood, there are plots with distinct compositions and biomass. The water level variation affects the dynamics of plant composition and structure in marginal areas of the Reservoir.

Resumo Este estudo apresenta o efeito da variação no nível hidrométrico do reservatório Mourão I, no Parque Estadual do Lago Azul, Paraná sobre a assembleia de espécies herbáceas na região de formação do reservatório. O estudo da estrutura e distribuição das populações foi realizado nos meses de fevereiro (seca) e abril (cheia) de 2011, para isto estabeleceu-se em pontos distintos duas transecções. As transecções começavam na bordada floresta em direção ao centro do lago. O fim da coleta na transecção acontecia quando acabavam as plantas dentro do lago. Ao longo das transecções a cada dois metros um quadrado de madeira com área de 0,25 m2 foi utilizado para amostrar as espécies, com coleta de biomassa. A maioria das espécies teve sua frequência reduzida durante a cheia (abril), porém Ipomea ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, Commelina nudiflora L., Eleocharis acuntagula (Roxb.) Schult. e Verbena litorales (Kunth.) aumentaram sua frequência durante esse período. A influência da cheia medida pelo NMS indica que tanto antes da cheia quanto após a cheia existem parcelas com composições e biomassa típicas. A variação hidrométrica tem influência sobre a dinâmica da composição e estrutural vegetal nas áreas marginais do reservatório.

Influence of the local application of sodium alendronate gel on osseointegration of titanium implants.

The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of aspects of the osseointegration of titanium implants placed with and without the local application of a bisphosphonate agent, after 28 days in vivo. The study involved the placement of 50 commercially pure titanium implants in the middle third of the tibia of 10 rabbits, with the right tibia used as the control and the left as the test site. Sodium alendronate gel was applied locally in the test group and sterile saline solution in the control group. After euthanasia, 10 implants from each group were analyzed for maximum removal torque. The remainder of the sample was processed to obtain non-decalcified slides, approximately 30µm thick, for histomorphological and histomorphometric analyses, including bone-implant contact (%BIC). Data were analyzed at the 5% level of significance. The removal torque values of the test group were, on average, half those obtained in the control group. The test group showed a lower %BIC and notable changes in bone quality. It is concluded that the initial events in the osseointegration of titanium implants are not favoured by the local application of sodium alendronate gel in rabbits.

Adsorption and Coupling of 4-aminophenol on Pt(111) surfaces.

We have deposited 4-aminophenol on Pt(111) surfaces in ultra-high vacuum and studied the strength of its adsorption through a combination of STM, LEED, XPS and ab initio calculations. Although an ordered (2√3×2√3)R30° phase appears, we have observed that molecule-substrate interaction dominates the adsorption geometry and properties of the system. At RT the high catalytic activity of Pt induces aminophenol to lose the H atom from the hydroxyl group, and a proportion of the molecules lose the complete hydroxyl group. After annealing above 420K, all deposited aminophenol molecules have lost the OH moiety and some hydrogen atoms from the amino groups. At this temperature, short single-molecule oligomer chains can be observed. These chains are the product of a new reaction that proceeds via the coupling of radical species that is favoured by surface diffusion.

Does BMI predict recurrence or complications after reoperative reflux surgery? Review of a single center's experience and a comparison of outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Obese patients who fail primary surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux present a significant challenge. We reviewed our outcomes with reoperative reflux surgery in obese (body mass index (BMI) >30) and nonobese patients to identify predictors of failure and complications and evaluate whether reoperative fundoplication is the ideal solution for obese patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing reoperation for failed anti-reflux surgery between 1994 and 2013. Medical record review identified preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics. Short- and long-term outcomes for obese and nonobese patients were compared using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: One hundred and nine interventions were identified in 95 patients. Clinical characteristics were similar between obese and nonobese patients. Eighty-eight (83.8%) patients underwent laparoscopic repair, 87 (79.8%) of whom had a Nissen fundoplication. Obese patients were more likely to fail via a slipped wrap (64.7 vs. 40.0%; p = 0.02). No differences were seen in short- or long-term symptomatic relief or major complications. In bivariate analysis, short-term outcomes were predicted by preoperative albumin <3.5 mg/dL (odds ratio (OR), 0.27 (confidence interval (CI), 0.08-0.96); p = 0.04) and laparoscopic conversion (OR, 0.19 (CI, 0.04-1.03); p = 0.05). Laparoscopic conversion was associated with major complications (OR, 7.33 (CI, 1.33-40.55); p = 0.02). BMI was a significant predictor for long-term outcome (p = 0.03) as a continuous variable in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients with recurrence after failed anti-reflux operation may be safely treated with a repeat operation. Our data indicate no difference in outcomes for patients with BMI >30, underscoring the importance of preoperative discussion as to the best approach: reoperative fundoplication or a gastric bypass.

New Zealand juvenile oyster mortality associated with ostreid herpesvirus 1-an opportunistic longitudinal study.

During the 2010-11 summer outbreak of ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) in New Zealand, an opportunistic longitudinal field study was conducted. OsHV-1 PCR-negative oyster spat (Crassostrea gigas) were relocated to an OsHV-1 PCR-positive area of the North Island of New Zealand that was experiencing juvenile oyster mortalities. Over a period of 13 d, spat were monitored for mortality, sampled for histopathology, and tested for the presence of OsHV-1 using real time PCR and Vibrio culture. Histopathology showed some evidence of tissue pathology; however, no consistent progressive pathology was apparent. Field mortalities were evident from Day 6 on. After 5 and 7 d of exposure, 83 and 100% of spat, respectively, tested positive for the virus by real time PCR. Vibrio species recovered during the longitudinal study included V. splendidus and V. aestuarianus. This study offers insight into the rapidity of onset and virulence of the virus in naïve oyster spat in New Zealand waters.