757 research outputs found
Influence of life-history traits on the occurrence of carnivores within exotic Eucalyptus plantations
Aim
The world's forested area has been declining, especially in developing countries. In contrast, forest plantations are increasing, particularly exotic Eucalyptus plantations, which cover nowadays over 20 million ha worldwide. This global landscape change affects native communities, especially those at higher trophic levels that are affected by bottomâup cascading effects, such as carnivores. We seek to identify the general lifeâhistory traits of mammalian carnivore species that use exotic Eucalyptus plantations.
Location
We reviewed 55 studies reporting carnivore presence in Eucalyptus plantations worldwide.
Methods
We consider seven species lifeâhistory traits (generation length, social behaviour, body mass, energetic trophic level, diet diversity, habitat generalist/specialist and locomotion mode) as candidate drivers. We used generalized linear mixed models, with lifeâhistory traits as fixed factors, and study as well as carnivore species as random factors. We obtained the carnivore occurrence data from the literature (detection of 42 different species, from seven families). We considered nonâdetected species those with an IUCN Red List of Threatened Species estimated distribution range overlapping with the study areas, but not recorded by the studies.
Results
While we found no evidence of an effect of any of the other lifeâhistory traits tested, our modelling procedure indicated that habitat generalist species are more likely to use Eucalyptus forests than specialist species.
Main conclusions
Our results, therefore, confirm an impoverishment of predator communities in disturbed environments, with the exclusion of the most specialist predators, leading to fragmentation of their populations and, ultimately contributing to their local extinction. The local extinction of specialist carnivores may lead to âfunctional homogenizationâ of communities within plantations, modifying ecosystem functioning with a negative impact on plantationsâ productivity, profitability and services.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Very low prevalence of ultrasound detected tenosynovial abnormalities in healthy subjects throughout the age range: OMERACT ultrasound minimal disease study
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ultrasound detected tendon abnormalities in healthy subjects (HS)
across the age range. /
Methods: Adult HS (age 18 to 80 years) were recruited in 23 international Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT)
ultrasound centres and clinically assessed to exclude inflammatory diseases or overt osteoarthritis before undergoing a bilateral
ultrasound examination of digit flexor (DF) 1-5 and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendons to detect the presence of tenosynovial
hypertrophy (TSH), power Doppler (TPD) and tenosynovial effusion (TEF), usually considered ultrasound signs of inflammatory
diseases. A comparison cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients was taken from the Birmingham BEACON early arthritis
inception cohort. /
Results: 939 HS and 144 RA patients were included. The majority of HS (85%) had grade 0 for TSH, TPD and TEF in all DF and ECU
tendons examined. There was statistically significant difference in the proportion of TSH and TPD involvement between HS and
RA subjects (HS vs RA p<0.001). In HS there was no difference in the presence of ultrasound abnormalities between age groups. /
Conclusions: Ultrasound detected TSH and TPD abnormalities are rare in HS and can be regarded as markers of active
inflammatory disease in newly presenting suspected RA
Lipidna peroksidacija i aktivnost antioksidativnih enzima u eritrocitima radnika profesionalno izloĆŸenih aluminiju
Current research indicates that lipid peroxidation could have a role in aluminium toxicity. The aim of this study was to asses lipid peroxidation and antioxidative enzyme activity in erythrocytes of workers occupationally exposed to aluminium. We investigated a group of 59 workers (Al group) exposed to aluminium fumes (contamination factor F=8.07 to 13.47, national maximal allowed concentration value is 2 mg m-3). The control group (C group) consisted of 75 subjects employed in lime production who had not been occupationally exposed to aluminium or any known toxic substance. Erythrocyte aluminium concentrations were significantly higher in the exposed group than controls [Al group (8.41±3.66) ”g L-1, C group (5.60±0.86) ”g L-1, p<0.001]. In the Al group, erythrocyte malondialdehyde concentration was also significantly higher [Al group (189.59±81.27) ”mol L-1, C group (105.21±49.62) ”mol L-1, p<0.001] and antioxidative enzyme activity reduced for glucoso-6-phosphatedehydrogenase [Al group (5.05±1.70) IU g-1 Hb, C group (12.53±4.12) IU g-1 Hb, p<0.001], glutathione reductase [Al group (1.41±0.56) IU g-1 Hb, C group (1.89±0.57) IU g-1 Hb, p<0.001], glutathione peroxidase [Al group (12.37±5.76) IU g-1 Hb, C group (15.54±4.85) IU g-1 Hb, p<0.001], catalase [Al group (116.76±26.60) IU g-1 Hb, C group (158.81±71.85) IU g-1 Hb, p<0.001] and superoxide dismutase [Al group (1175.8±149.9) IU mg-1 Hb, C group (1377.9±207.5) IU mg-1 Hb, p<0.001].Rezultati suvremenih istraĆŸivanja pokazuju da lipidna peroksidacija moĆŸe imati vaĆŸnu ulogu u toksiÄnosti aluminija. Cilj istraĆŸivanja bio je da se ispita lipidna peroksidacija i aktivnost antioksidativnih enzima u eritrocitima kod radnika profesionalno izloĆŸenih aluminiju. Ispitivanjem je obuhvaÄena skupina od 59 radnika (Al skupina) profesionalno izloĆŸenih aluminiju (faktor oneÄiĆĄÄenja F=8,07 do 13,47, nacionalna maksimalno dopuĆĄtena koncentracija je 2 mg m-3). Kontrolna skupina sastojala se od 75 osoba zaposlenih u proizvodnji vapna koje nikada nisu bile profesionalno izloĆŸene aluminiju ni drugim toksiÄnim tvarima. U skupini izloĆŸenoj aluminiju utvrÄene su statistiÄki signifikantno viĆĄe koncentracije aluminija u eritrocitima nego u kontrolnoj skupini [Al skupina (8,41±3,66) ”g L-1, kontrolna skupina (5,60±0,86) ”g L-1, p<0,001]. U Al skupini utvrÄene su statistiÄki znaÄajno viĆĄe koncentracije malondialdehida u eritrocitima [Al skupina (189,59±81,27) ”mol L-1, kontrolna skupina (105,21±49,62) ”mol L-1, p<0,001]. TakoÄer, u Al skupini utvrÄene su i statistiÄki znaÄajno niĆŸe aktivnosti antioksidativnih enzima u eritrocitima: glukozo- 6-fosfatdehidrogenaza [Al skupina (5,05±1,70) IU g-1 Hb, kontrolna skupina (12,53±4,12) IU g-1 Hb, p<0,001], glutationreduktaza [Al skupina (1,41±0,56) IU g-1 Hb, kontrolna skupina (1,89±0,57) IU g-1 Hb, p<0,001], glutationperoksidaza [Al skupina (12,37±5,76) IU g-1 Hb, kontrolna skupina (15,54±4,85) IU g-1 Hb, p<0,001], katalaza [Al skupina (116,76±26,60) IU g-1 Hb, kontrolna skupina (158,81±71,85) IU g-1 Hb, p<0,001] i superoksiddizmutaza [Al skupina (1175,8±149,9) IU mg-1 Hb, kontrolna skupina (1377,9±207,5) IU mg-1 Hb, p<0,001]
Effect of pomiferin administration on kidney ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats
The aim of the study was to analyse protective effects of different doses of pomiferin in therapy of reperfusion injury. Rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10). One group was intact. Three medicated groups and one placebo group were subjected to ischaemia and reperfusion of the left kidney. Pomiferin was administrated by single gastric gavage in 2 ml of 0.5% Avicel solution in doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg. The placebo group was given only Avicel solution. On day 15, all the animals were exsanguinated and the reperfused kidneys were recovered. Selected biochemical markers were assessed in blood: antioxidative enzymes, total antioxidative capacity, malondialdehyde, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Creatinine, urea and total proteins were analysed in urine and 24-hour diuresis was recorded. The kidney tissue samples were used for histopathological examination
ToksiÄni uÄinci olova u profesionalno izloĆŸene indijske obitelji
This article describes an entire family manufacturing lead acid batteries who all suffered from lead poisoning. The family of five lived in a house, part of which had been used for various stages of battery production for 14 years. Open space was used for drying batteries. They all drank water from a well located on the premises. Evaluation of biomarkers of lead exposure and/or effect revealed alarming blood lead levels [(3.92±0.94) ”mol L-1], 50 % reduction in the activity of ÎŽ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase [(24.67±5.12) U L-1] and an increase in zinc protoporphyrin [(1228±480) ”g L-1]. Liver function tests showed an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase [(170.41±41.82) U L-1]. All other liver function test parameters were normal. Renal function tests showed an increase in serum uric acid [(515.81±86.29) ”mol L-1] while urea and creatinine were normal. Serum calcium was low [(1.90±0.42) mmol L-1 in women and (2.09±0.12) mmol L-1 in men], while blood pressure was high in the head of the family and his wife and normal in children. Lead concentration in well water was estimated to 180 ”g L-1. The family was referred to the National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India, were they were received treatment and were informed about the hazards of lead poisoning. A follow up three months later showed a slight decrease in blood lead levels and a significant increase in haemoglobin. These findings can be attributed to behavioural changes adopted by the family, even though they continued producing lead batteries.Olovo je sveprisutni metal s mnogo namjena, a ÄovjeÄanstvo ga rabi veÄ viĆĄe od 6000 godina. Danas je olovo meÄu najrasprostranjenijim toksinima u okoliĆĄu, a drugi je na popisu toksiÄnih metala, odmah iza arsena. Mnogi joĆĄ nisu svjesni njegova toksiÄnoga djelovanja te se i dalje izlaĆŸu olovu. Ovdje je opisana obitelj koja proizvodi olovne akumulatore i koja je pretrpjela trovanje olovom zahvaljujuÄi svojoj neobavijeĆĄtenosti. Ova peteroÄlana obitelj ĆŸivjela je u jednome kuÄanstvu Äiji je dio namijenjen razliÄitim fazama proizvodnje akumulatora veÄ 14 godina. Akumulatori su se suĆĄili na otvorenome. Na imanju je bio i bunar s pitkom vodom. Mjerenja biopokazatelja izloĆŸenosti olovu i njegova djelovanja u svih pet Älanova obitelji dovela su do alarmantnoga saznanja o razinama olova u krvi [(3,92±0,94) ”mol L-1], 50 %-tnom padu aktivnosti dehidrataze ÎŽ-aminolevulinske kiseline [(24,67±5,12) U L-1] te poviĆĄenom cinkovu protoporfirinu [(1228±480) ”g L-1]. Jetrene probe otkrile su poviĆĄene razine alkalne fosfataze u serumu [(170,41±41,82) U L-1]. Ostali su parametri jetrene funkcije bili normalni. Testovi funkcije bubrega otkrili su poviĆĄene razine mokraÄne kiseline u serumu [(515,81±86,29) ”mol L-1], dok su razine ureje i kreatinina bile normalne. TakoÄer je zabiljeĆŸen pad razina kalcija u serumu [(1,90±0,42) mmol L-1 u ĆŸena te (2,09±0,12) mmol L-1 u muĆĄkaraca]. PoviĆĄeni krvni tlak zamijeÄen je u glave obitelji i njegove supruge, dok je u djece bio normalan. Koncentracija olova u bunarskoj vodi bila je izrazito visoka, prema procjeni 180 ”g L-1. Obitelj je upuÄena u indijski DrĆŸavni referalni centar za otrovanje olovom (National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning) gdje je primila lijekove i bila upoznata s Äinjenicama vezanim uz otrovanje olovom. TromjeseÄno je praÄenje pokazalo blagi pad razina olova u krvi te znaÄajan porast hemoglobina. Ovi se nalazi mogu pripisati promjenama u ponaĆĄanju obitelji, bez obzira na to ĆĄto je nastavila proizvoditi akumulatore
Glutathione-Related Antioxidant Defense System in Elderly Patients Treated for Hypertension
The purpose of this study was to analyze glutathione antioxidant defense system in elderly patients treated for hypertension. Studies were carried out in the blood collected from 18 hypertensive and 15 age- and sex-matched controls, all subjects age over 60. Hypertensives were on their usual antihypertensive treatment at the time of blood collection. The concentration of glutathione (GSH) in whole blood and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1), glutathione transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) in erythrocytes were measured. The data from patients and controls were compared using independent-samples t test. P value of 0.05 and less was considered statistically significant. We observed increased glutathione-related antioxidant defense in treated hypertensive elderly patients (HT) when compared with healthy controls (C). Mean GSH concentration was significantly higher in HT when compared with C: 3.1 ± 0.29 and 2.6 ± 0.25 mmol/L, respectively, P < 0.001. Mean activity of GR was significantly higher in HT group if compared with C: 83.4 ± 15.25 U/g Hb versus 64.2 ± 8.26 U/g Hb, respectively, P < 0.001. Mean activity of GST was significantly higher in HT group compared with C: 3.0 ± 0.60 mmol CDNB-GSH/mgHb/min and 2.6 ± 0.36 mmol CDNB-GSH/mgHb/min, respectively, P < 0.05. No difference in GPx activity was observed between two groups. These results show that glutathione-related antioxidant defense system was enhanced in elderly hypertensive patients treated for their conditions. This suggests important role of glutathione system in blood pressure regulation. Alterations in concentration and activity of antioxidants observed during antihypertensive medication are likely to be related to the effect of the treatment on NO bioavailability
Relocation to get venture capital : a resource dependence perspective
This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from SAGE via the DOI in this record.Using a resource dependence perspective, we theorize and show that non-venture-capital-backed ventures founded in U.S. states with a lower availability of venture capital (VC) are more likely to relocate to California (CA) or Massachusetts (MA)âthe two VC richest statesâcompared to ventures founded in states with a greater availability of VC. Moreover, controlling for self-selection, ventures that relocate to CA or MA subsequently have a greater probability of attracting initial VC compared to ventures that stay in their home state. We discuss the implications for theory, future research, and practice
Lipidomics, atrial conduction, and body mass index: evidence from association, mediation, and Mendelian randomization models
BACKGROUND: Lipids are increasingly involved in cardiovascular risk prediction as potential proarrhythmic influencers. However, knowledge is limited about the specific mechanisms connecting lipid alterations with atrial conduction. METHODS: To shed light on this issue, we conducted a broad assessment of 151 sphingo- and phospholipids, measured using mass spectrometry, for association with atrial conduction, measured by P wave duration (PWD) from standard electrocardiograms, in the MICROS study (Microisolates in South Tyrol) (n=839). Causal pathways involving lipidomics, body mass index (BMI), and PWD were assessed using 2-sample Mendelian randomization analyses based on published genome-wide association studies of lipidomics (n=4034) and BMI (n=734â481), and genetic association analysis of PWD in 5 population-based studies (n=24â236). RESULTS: We identified an association with relative phosphatidylcholine 38:3 (%PC 38:3) concentration, which was replicated in the ORCADES (Orkney Complex Disease Study; n=951), with a pooled association across studies of 2.59 (95% CI, 1.3-3.9; P=1.1Ă10-4) ms PWD per mol% increase. While being independent of cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels, the %PC 38:3-PWD association was mediated by BMI. Results supported a causal effect of BMI on both PWD ( P=8.3Ă10-5) and %PC 38:3 ( P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Increased %PC 38:3 levels are consistently associated with longer PWD, partly because of the confounding effect of BMI. The causal effect of BMI on PWD reinforces evidence of BMI's involvement into atrial electrical activity
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