Weight loss and improved metabolic outcomes amongst rural African American women in the Deep South: six-month outcomes from a community-based randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is highly prevalent in African American women, especially those in the rural southern USA, resulting in persistent health disparities. OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of an evidence-based behavioural weight loss intervention delivered by community health advisors to African American women in the rural south. DESIGN AND METHODS: Overweight or obese African American women (30-70 years) from eight counties in Mississippi and Alabama participated in a 24-month randomized controlled trial of an evidence-based behavioural weight loss programme augmented with community strategies to support healthy lifestyles (Weight Loss Plus, N = 154) compared to the weight loss programme alone (Weight Loss Only, N = 255). This study reports on 6-month outcomes on primary (weight change) and secondary (waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, fasting blood glucose) outcomes, coinciding with the completion of the intensive weight loss phase. RESULTS: Weight Loss Only participants lost an average of 2.2 kg (P < 0.001). Weight Loss Plus participants lost an average of 3.2 kg (P < 0.001). The proportion of the total sample that lost at least 5% of their body weight was 27.1% with no difference between treatment groups. Similarly, we observed statistically significant reductions in blood pressure, waist circumference and triglycerides in each treatment group, with no statistical differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Trained lay health staff and volunteers from the rural southern USA were able to deliver a translation of a high-intensity behavioural intervention targeted to African American women, resulting in clinically meaningful weight loss and improvement in other metabolic outcomes in a significant proportion of participants.

The Vacuum Cherenkov Detector (VCD) for γ-ray measurements in inertial confinement fusion experiments.

Inertial confinement fusion experiments at both the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics OMEGA laser facility currently utilize Cherenkov detectors, with fused silica as the Cherenkov medium. At the NIF, the Quartz Cherenkov Detectors improve the precision of neutron time-of-flight measurements; and at OMEGA, the Diagnostic for Areal Density provides measurements of capsule shell areal densities. An inherent property of fused silica is the radiator's relatively low energy threshold for Cherenkov photon production (Ethreshold < 1 MeV), making it advantageous over gas-based Cherenkov detectors for experiments requiring low-energy γ detection. The Vacuum Cherenkov Detector (VCD) has been specifically designed for efficient detection of low energy γ's. Its primary use is in implosion experiments, which will study reactions relevant to stellar and big-bang nucleosynthesis, such as T(4He,γ)7Li, 4He(3He,γ)7Be, and 12C(p,γ)13N. The VCD is compatible with LLE's standard Ten-Inch Manipulator diagnostic insertion module. This work will outline the design and characterization of the VCD as well as provide results from recent experiments conducted at the OMEGA laser facility.

Upgrade of the gated laser entrance hole imager G-LEH-2 on the National Ignition Facility.

A major upgrade has been implemented for the ns-gated laser entrance hole imager on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to obtain high-quality data for Hohlraum physics study. In this upgrade, the single "Furi" hCMOS sensor (1024 × 448 pixel arrays with two-frame capability) is replaced with dual "Icarus" sensors (1024 × 512 pixel arrays with four-frame capability). Both types of sensors were developed by Sandia National Laboratories for high energy density physics experiments. With the new Icarus sensors, the new diagnostic provides twice the detection area with improved uniformity, wider temporal coverage, flexible timing setup, and greater sensitivity to soft x rays (<2 keV). These features, together with the fact that the diagnostic is radiation hardened and can be operated on the NIF for high neutron yield deuterium-triterium experiments, enable significantly greater return of data per experiment.

Core build-up resin composites: an in-vitro comparative study.

AIM: Resin composite (RC) are commonly used under full crowns. However, independent information is lacking to guide practitioners regarding core RC material selection. This study aimed at comparing the flexural properties of a large selection of commercially-available core build-up RCs (CBU-RC), either light-, self- or dual-cure, to conventional light-cure RCs. METHODS: RCs were injected into a 25 × 2×2mm Teflon mold, and either light-cured during 20 s (materials with claimed light-cure characteristics) or covered by aluminum during 10 min (dual- and self-cure CBU-RCs). They were subjected after a one-week water storage at 37.5 °C to three-point bending, and Flexural modulus (E flex) and Flexural Strength (σ f) were calculated (n = 20). Thermogravimetric analysis (n = 3) was performed to determine inorganic filler content (%). RESULTS: For dual-cure CBU-RCs, both RC (p < .0001) and light-curing (p = .0007) had a significant influence on E flex, while only RC was significant for σ f (p < .0001). Between all conventional RCs and CBU-RCs, significant differences were observed (p < .0001), both regarding E flex and σ f, with values ranging from 3.9 to 15.5 GPa and from 76 to 130.3 MPa, respectively. Higher E flex values were observed for light-cure RCs than for self- and dual-cure ones, while no clear trend was noticed regarding σ f. Good linear correlation was found between inorganic filler content and E flex (R 2=0.85, p < .0001), but not with σ f (R 2=0.08, p = .1609). CONCLUSION: This work demonstrated a positive influence of light-curing on dual-cure CBU-RC's E flex. It also highlighted large differences in flexural properties (especially E flex) among the investigated materials, questioning the use of some CBU-RCs as dentin replacement in case of large tissue loss.

Perspectives on the clonal persistence of presumed 'ghost' genomes in unisexual or allopolyploid taxa arising via hybridization.

Although hybridization between non-sibling species rarely results in viable or fertile offspring, it occasionally produces self-perpetuating or sexually-parasitic lineages in which ancestral genomes are inherited clonally and thus may persist as 'ghost species' after ancestor extinction. Ghost species have been detected in animals and plants, for polyploid and diploid organisms, and across clonal, semi-clonal, and even sexual reproductive modes. Here we use a detailed investigation of the evolutionary and taxonomic status of a newly-discovered, putative ghost lineage (HX) in the fish genus Hypseleotris to provide perspectives on several important issues not previously explored by other studies on ghost species, but relevant to ongoing discussions about their detection, conservation, and artificial re-creation. Our comprehensive genetic (allozymes, mtDNA) and genomic (SNPs) datasets successfully identified a threatened sexual population of HX in one tiny portion of the extensive distribution displayed by two hemi-clonal HX-containing lineages. We also discuss what confidence should be placed on any assertion that an ancestral species is actually extinct, and how to assess whether any putative sexual ancestor represents a pure remnant, as shown here, or a naturally-occurring resurrection via the crossing of compatible clones or hemi-clones.

Investigating the limits of resin-based luting composite photopolymerization through various thicknesses of indirect restorative materials.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the limitations of using light-curable resin-based luting composites (RBLCs) to bond indirect ceramic/resin-composite restorations by measuring light transmittance through indirect restorative materials and the resulting degree of conversion (DC) of the luting-composites placed underneath. METHODS: Various thicknesses (0-4mm) and shades of LAVA Zirconia and LAVA Ultimate were prepared and used as light curing filters. A commercial, light curable RBLC, RelyX Veneer (control) was compared with four experimental RBLCs of the following composition: TEGDMA/BisGMA (50/50 or 30/70wt%, respectively); camphorquinone/amine (0.2/0.8wt%) or Lucirin-TPO (0.42wt%); microfillers (55wt%) and nanofillers (10wt%). RBLCs covered with the LAVA filter were light-cured for 40s, either with the dual-peak BluephaseG2 or an experimental device emitting either in the blue or violet visible band. The samples were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy to determine DC. Light transmittance through the filters was measured using a common spectroscopy technique. RESULTS: All the factors studied significantly influenced DC (p<0.05). RBLCs with increased TEGDMA content exhibited higher DC. Only small differences were observed comparing DC without filters and filters ≤1mm (p>0.05). For thicknesses ≥2mm, significant reductions in DC were observed (p<0.05). Transmittance values revealed higher filter absorption at 400nm than 470nm. A minimal threshold of irradiance measured through the filters that maintained optimal DC following 40s irradiation was identified for each RBLC formulation, and ranged between 250-500mW/cm2. SIGNIFICANCE: This work confirmed that optimal photopolymerization of RBLCs through indirect restorative materials (≤4mm) and irradiation time of 40s is possible, but only in some specific conditions. The determination of such conditions is likely to be key to clinical success, and all the factors need to be optimized accordingly.

A virus vector based on Canine Herpesvirus for vaccine applications in canids.

Canine Herpesvirus (CHV) is being developed as a virus vector for the vaccination of European red foxes. However, initial studies using recombinant CHV vaccines in foxes revealed viral attenuation and lack of antibody response to inserted foreign antigens. These findings were attributed both to inactivation of the thymidine kinase (TK) gene and excess foreign genetic material in the recombinant viral genome. In this study, we report an improved CHV-bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vector system designed to overcome attenuation in foxes. A non-essential region was identified in the CHV genome as an alternative insertion site for foreign genes. Replacement of a guanine/cytosine (GC)-rich intergenic region between UL21 and UL22 of CHV with a marker gene did not change growth behaviour in vitro, showing that this region is not essential for virus growth in cell culture. We subsequently produced a CHV-BAC vector with an intact TK gene in which the bacterial genes and the antigen expression cassette were inserted into this GC-rich locus. Unlike earlier constructs, the new CHV-BAC allowed self-excision of the bacterial genes via homologous recombination after transfection of BACs into cell culture. The BAC-CHV system was used to produce a recombinant virus that constitutively expressed porcine zona pellucida subunit C protein between the UL21 and UL22 genes of CHV. Complete self-excision of the bacterial genes from CHV was achieved within one round of replication whilst retaining antigen gene expression.

Vaccines for immunological control of fertility in animals.

Fertility control has gained considerable momentum as a management tool to regulate populations of captive and wild animals and to control aggressive behaviour or improve meat quality in livestock. Anti-fertility vaccination (immunocontraception and immunocastration) is a humane alternative to methods that rely on surgical or chemical sterilisation and lethal control. Two types of experimental immunocontraceptive vaccine have been registered for field use in animals. They contain either porcine zona pellucida (PZP) proteins extracted from pig ovaries or synthetic conjugated gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) peptides. These vaccines require repeated injections and are limited to captive or small populations of free-ranging wild animals. Alternative immunocontraceptive vaccines are actively being developed either to improve efficacy or enable large numbers of wild animals to be targeted. Some employ live genetically modified viruses to deliver immunocontraception and have proved successful under laboratory conditions. The relative merits, risks, social acceptability and regulations controlling the use of existing and novel animal immunocontraceptives are reviewed.

Biological control of vertebrate pests using virally vectored immunocontraception.

Species-specific viruses are being genetically engineered to produce contraceptive biological controls for pest animals such as mice, rabbits and foxes. The virus vaccines are intended to trigger an autoimmune response in the target animals that interferes with their fertility in a process termed virally vectored immunocontraception. Laboratory experiments have shown that high levels of infertility can be induced in mice infected with recombinant murine cytomegalovirus and ectromelia virus expressing reproductive antigens as well as in rabbits using myxoma virus vectors. The strategies used to produce and deliver species-specific immunocontraceptive vaccines to free-living wildlife are presented in this review. Discussion includes coverage of the likely safety of the proposed vaccines as well as the implications of the approach for fertility control in other species.

The complete mitochondrial DNA genome of Aedes vigilax (Diptera: Culicidae).

The complete mitochondrial genomes of two main clades of the medically significant saltmarsh mosquito Aedes vigilax Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) were obtained using combined Illumina and Sanger sequencing. The two 15,877 bp circular genomes share 99.0% nucleotide identity and encode 37 genes with identical gene arrangement similar to previously published Culicidae species with a non-coding A + T rich region between rns and tRNA-Ile. Protein initiation codon is ATN apart from ND5 (GTG) and COX1 (TCG). Eight protein-coding genes encode full TAA stop codon, while five are completed by mRNA polyadenylation. Typical cloverleaf structures containing DHU and TΨC stem and loops can be inferred for all 22 tRNAs.

The complete mitochondrial DNA genomes for two lineages of Aedes notoscriptus (Diptera: Culicidae).

The complete mitochondrial genomes for two deeply divergent lineages of the urban adapted mosquito Aedes notoscriptus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) in Australia were sequenced using a combination of next generation Illumina and traditional Sanger sequencing. The 15,846 and 15,851 bp circular genomes share 95.0% nucleotide identity. They both have the full complement of 37 metazoan genes and identical gene arrangements to previously published Culicidae species with the one non-coding A + T rich control region present between rns and tRNA-Ile. All protein initiation codons are ATN apart from COX1 (TCG). Eight protein coding genes encode full TAA stop codons, one uses an incomplete TA and four use T. Typical cloverleaf structures containing DHU and TΨC stem and loops can be inferred for all 22 tRNAs.

Observation of hohlraum-wall motion with spectrally selective x-ray imaging at the National Ignition Facility.

The high fuel capsule compression required for indirect drive inertial confinement fusion requires careful control of the X-ray drive symmetry throughout the laser pulse. When the outer cone beams strike the hohlraum wall, the plasma ablated off the hohlraum wall expands into the hohlraum and can alter both the outer and inner cone beam propagations and hence the X-ray drive symmetry especially at the final stage of the drive pulse. To quantitatively understand the wall motion, we developed a new experimental technique which visualizes the expansion and stagnation of the hohlraum wall plasma. Details of the experiment and the technique of spectrally selective x-ray imaging are discussed.

Characterisation of two highly conserved but non-allelic cellular disintegrins from rabbit testis.

Two novel cellular disintegrin genes (termed ADAM 6d and ADAM 6e: Gen Bank accession numbers U82750 and U82751) were isolated and characterised from a rabbit testicular cDNA library. The cDNAs have open reading frames encoding for proteins of 731 and 730 amino acids, respectively. They share an amino-acid homology of greater than 89% and a nucleotide base matching of 94% in both the coding and non-coding regions. PCR of DNA extracted from both the parents and progeny of wild rabbits was used to demonstrate that the genes are non-allelic. Recombinant ADAM 6e fused to maltose binding protein was prepared and polyclonal antibodies produced in mice. These polyclonal antibodies recognised two bands with molecular masses of 42 kDa and 46 kDa on Western blots of rabbit sperm extracts run on SDS PAGE reducing gels. The implications of the presence of these two highly conserved proteins in rabbit testis and on sperm are discussed.

Cocoa feeding and human lactose intolerance.

On the basis of evidence of the suppressing effect of cocoa on human lactose intolerance, a feeding study was conducted on 35 subjects with a commercial chocolate-milk formula. Variables studied were breath hydrogen level (BHL), symptoms, and onset time. Data from repeated feeding were analyzed by paired t tests. The addition of cocoa significantly reduced BHL (p less than 0.005) as well as the symptom score of both bloating (p less than 0.05) and cramping (p less than 0.025). Individual lactose intolerance levels ranged from 5% (basal milk) to 12.5% with an average of 7.8% upon consumption of 250 mL milk. Having both plain and cocoa formulas contain sucrose and carrageenan led to a conclusion that the suppressive effect of cocoa observed was independent of the presence of sucrose and carrageenan. Ninety-five percent of the subjects responded positively (BHL greater than 17 ppm) to the plain and 51% to the cocoa formula.

Assessment of the immunocontraceptive effect of a zona pellucida 3 peptide antigen in wild mice.

Immunizing laboratory mice against a short peptide to mouse zona pellucida protein 3 (mZP3; amino acids 328-342) reduces fertility in some strains. This antigen was therefore tested to see if it is suitable for use in an immunocontraceptive vaccine to control wild mice. Mouse zona pellucida protein 3 peptide conjugated to a carrier protein (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) was considerably more immunogenic and effective in reducing fertility in wild mice when compared with inbred BALB/c mice. Fertility of the immunized wild mice was reduced by over 50% compared with controls, whereas BALB/c mice showed no reduction. Variation in the responses between individual animals to mZP3 peptide was observed and infertility correlated to the presence of cross-reacting antibodies to native zona pellucida in wild, but not BALB/c, mice.

Dispersal and phylogeography of the agamid lizard Amphibolurus nobbi in fragmented and continuous habitat.

Approximately 90% of native vegetation has been cleared for agriculture in central New South Wales, Australia. Habitat loss has reduced and fragmented populations of the agamid lizard Amphibolurus nobbi. We compared genetic structure of populations of this species in an unmodified landscape with those from small nature reserves and linear remnants in farming areas. We ask: Is there evidence for reduced dispersal and population fragmentation among farm populations? Using 2008 bp mtDNA sequences and allozyme electrophoresis, we found that small populations in farming areas had as much genetic variation as populations in nature reserves. Application of nested clade analysis (NCA) indicated isolation-by-distance effects among populations from uncleared areas, but not among populations within farming locations. The genetic evidence therefore implied a high level of migration in the cleared landscapes. High dispersal after fragmentation may have resulted from either a burst of movement at the time of land clearing with dragons from many sources finding refuge in a few remnants, or from ongoing rapid dispersal through unsuitable habitat. A phylogeny based on mtDNA revealed that A. nobbi populations in the study area are deeply divided into two reciprocally monophyletic groups. Although we did not sample the entire species range, one of these evolutionarily significant units was only detected in remnant vegetation in the agricultural landscape. Therefore, a substantial subclade of this species may be vulnerable to extinction. Our findings emphasize that local populations of widespread species can harbour important intraspecific genetic diversity, supporting the case for maintaining widespread species throughout production landscapes.

Cloning and expression of recombinant rabbit fertilin.

Fertilin is a sperm surface protein complex which is reported to play an essential role in sperm-egg fusion in mammals. It is comprised of two related subunits, alpha and beta, both of which are glycosylated and have cytoplasmic and extracellular domains. This protein has been reported to play an essential role in sperm-egg fusion in mammals. We report on the cloning and sequencing of the complete cDNA sequences of both subunits from rabbit testis, and the production of recombinant proteins for testing their potential as antigens for use in an immunocontraceptive vaccine to control wild rabbit populations. The cDNAs for rabbit fertilin alpha and beta (Genbank accession numbers, U46069 and U46070) are predicted to encode proteins of 919 and 751 amino acids, respectively, and to show significant levels of homology to fertilin subunits isolated from other species. Analysis of the predicted protein sequences of fertilin alpha but not beta reveals the presence of 21 direct repeats of the hexameric sequence A/PPPPEA at the extreme carboxy terminus, similar to what has been described for a fertilin alpha gene isoform in the monkey. DNA sequences corresponding to the predicted mature alpha and beta fertilin subunits were individually cloned into a bacterial expression system, and the recombinant proteins were used to raise polyclonal antibodies in mice. These antibodies detect components of the native fertilin complex from rabbit sperm.