Učinak dugotrajnog treninga umjerenoga intenziteta na frekvenciju srca i metabolički status u netreniranih labrador retrivera.

Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake linearly increase during exercise, so the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate exercise in sedentary dogs on heart rate frequency, as a marker of aerobic status. Fifteen Labrador Retrievers participated in a 4-month exercise protocol, and their body mass, serum biochemistry status and HR response were monitored and measured at the baseline and after 2 and 4 months of activity. The baseline control speed was set for each dog and corresponded to the moderate intensity mean HR value of 137.5 ± 2.58 beats per minute (BPM). During the experiment, the running speed was altered to maintain the baseline HR for each dog individually. The mean running speed needed to maintain the control HR increased significantly (P<0.01), measured after 2 and 4 months of aerobic exercise. Then mean HR at control speed after 2 and 4 months of moderate exercise decreased significantly (P<0.01) compared to the baseline value. Body mass decreased significantly after 2 months (P<0.01) and 4 months (P<0.05) compared to the baseline value. After 2 months of exercise albumin, creatinine and cholesterol concentrations significantly decreased, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity significantly increased from the baseline values. After 4 months of exercise a statistically significant increase was found in glucose, triglycerides, and BUN concentrations from the baseline values. Compared to the 2 month results, BUN and albumin concentrations significantly decreased, while ALP activity significantly increased. This study demonstrated the positive effects of a long-term moderate intensity training protocol in sedentary dogs on heart rate and possibly also on aerobic capacity, as observed by the decrease in heart rate during exercise at the end of 4 months’ training.Frekvencija srca i primitak kisika linearno rastu s porastom intenziteta vježbe, stoga je cilj ovoga rada bio istražiti utjecaj vježbe umjerenoga intenziteta na srčanu frekvenciju kao pokazatelja aerobnoga statusa. U istraživanje koje je trajalo 4 mjeseca bilo je uključeno petnaest labrador retrivera čije su tjelesna težina, biokemijski status i srčane frekvencije bilježene prvog dana, nakon dva te nakon četiri mjeseca treninga. Početna kontrolna brzina određena je individualno za svaku jedinku i prosječno je iznosila 137,5 ± 2,58 otkucaja u minuti. Tijekom istraživanja, mijenjali smo brzinu trčanja kako bi psi održali konstantnu vrijednost kontrolne srčane frekvencije. Brzina trčanja pri kojoj su psi održavali kontrolnu frekvenciju srca značajno se smanjila (P<0,01) nakon 2 te nakon 4 mjeseca aerobne vježbe. Tjelesna težina je značajno snižena nakon 2 (P<0,01) te nakon 4 mjeseca (P<0,05) u usporedbi s početnom. Nakon 2 mjeseca razine albumina, kreatinina i kolesterola bile su značajno snižene, dok je aktivnost alkalne fosfataze porasla u usporedbi s početnim mjerenjem. Nakon 4 mjeseca treninga utvrđen je značajan porast vrijednosti glukoze, triglicerida i ureje u odnosu na početnu vrijednost. Istraživanje je pokazalo da dugotrajna fizička aktivnost umjerenoga intenziteta ima pozitivan učinak na frekvenciju srca, a time posljedično i na aerobni kapacitet što je vidljivo iz smanjenja frekvencije srca za isti intenzitet rada nakon 4 mjeseca treninga

translation with d-amino acids

Key components of the translational apparatus, i.e. ribosomes, elongation factor EF-Tu and most aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, are stereoselective and prevent incorporation of d-amino acids (d-aa) into polypeptides. The rare appearance of d-aa in natural polypeptides arises from post-translational modifications or non-ribosomal synthesis. We introduce an in vitro translation system that enables single incorporation of 17 out of 18 tested d-aa into a polypeptide; incorporation of two or three successive d-aa was also observed in several cases. The system consists of wild-type components and d-aa are introduced via artificially charged, unmodified tRNAGly that was selected according to the rules of ‘thermodynamic compensation’. The results reveal an unexpected plasticity of the ribosomal peptidyltransferase center and thus shed new light on the mechanism of chiral discrimination during translation. Furthermore, ribosomal incorporation of d-aa into polypeptides may greatly expand the armamentarium of in vitro translation towards the identification of peptides and proteins with new properties and functions

Geographical and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 clades in the WHO European Region, January to June 2020

We show the distribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) genetic clades over time and between countries and outline potential genomic surveillance objectives. We applied three genomic nomenclature systems to all sequence data from the World Health Organization European Region available until 10 July 2020. We highlight the importance of real-time sequencing and data dissemination in a pandemic situation, compare the nomenclatures and lay a foundation for future European genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2

NK cell receptor NKG2D sets activation threshold for the NCR1 receptor early in NK cell development

The activation of natural killer (NK) cells depends on a change in the balance of signals from inhibitory and activating receptors. The activation threshold values of NK cells are thought to be set by engagement of inhibitory receptors during development. Here, we found that the activating receptor NKG2D specifically set the activation threshold for the activating receptor NCR1 through a process that required the adaptor DAP12. As a result, NKGD2-deficient (Klrk1-/-) mice controlled tumors and cytomegalovirus infection better than wild-type controls through the NCR1-induced production of the cytokine IFN-γ. Expression of NKG2D before the immature NK cell stage increased expression of the adaptor CD3ζ. Reduced expression of CD3ζ in Klrk1-/- mice was associated with enhanced signal transduction through NCR1, and CD3ζ deficiency resulted in hyper-responsiveness to stimulation via NCR1. Thus, an activating receptor developmentally set the activity of another activating receptor on NK cells and determined NK cell reactivity to cellular threats

Ophthalmology

PURPOSE: To investigate systemic and ocular determinants of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFLT) in the European population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 16 084 European adults from 8 cohort studies (mean age range, 56.9+/-12.3-82.1+/-4.2 years) of the European Eye Epidemiology (E3) consortium. METHODS: We examined associations with pRNFLT measured by spectral-domain OCT in each study using multivariable linear regression and pooled results using random effects meta-analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determinants of pRNFLT. RESULTS: Mean pRNFLT ranged from 86.8+/-21.4 mum in the Rotterdam Study I to 104.7+/-12.5 mum in the Rotterdam Study III. We found the following factors to be associated with reduced pRNFLT: Older age (beta = -0.38 mum/year; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.57 to -0.18), higher intraocular pressure (IOP) (beta = -0.36 mum/mmHg; 95% CI, -0.56 to -0.15), visual impairment (beta = -5.50 mum; 95% CI, -9.37 to -1.64), and history of systemic hypertension (beta = -0.54 mum; 95% CI, -1.01 to -0.07) and stroke (beta = -1.94 mum; 95% CI, -3.17 to -0.72). A suggestive, albeit nonsignificant, association was observed for dementia (beta = -3.11 mum; 95% CI, -6.22 to 0.01). Higher pRNFLT was associated with more hyperopic spherical equivalent (beta = 1.39 mum/diopter; 95% CI, 1.19-1.59) and smoking (beta = 1.53 mum; 95% CI, 1.00-2.06 for current smokers compared with never-smokers). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to previously described determinants such as age and refraction, we found that systemic vascular and neurovascular diseases were associated with reduced pRNFLT. These may be of clinical relevance, especially in glaucoma monitoring of patients with newly occurring vascular comorbidities

Doing Gender Cowboy Style : A qualitative study on the performance of hegemonic masculinity by humanitarian staff in the field

The humanitarian cowboy is a phenomenon standing in juxtaposition with the fundamental principles of humanitarian action – impartiality, neutrality, independence, and humanity. Yet he seems to survive and thrive in the sector. This master's thesis explores the performance and reproduction of masculinity in the humanitarian sector, focusing on how the work environment contributes to these behaviours and how they relate to power dynamics. A qualitative approach with in-depth interviews with humanitarian staff is used to investigate the extent to which humanitarian organisations influence the performance of hegemonic masculinity, embodied by the archetype of the humanitarian cowboy. The results show that the prevailing organisational norms reinforce these behaviours, leading to a paradoxical environment in which exaggerated masculine behaviour is both a coping mechanism and a perceived increase in efficiency. More so the underlying acceptance of this behaviour in the organisation contributes to its reproduction. The study concludes that through organisational cultures, narratives, and the valorisation of certain behaviours, the humanitarian cowboy is not just a product of individual personalities, but a construct supported and sustained by the very systems designed to alleviate human suffering

First occurrence of dumortierite in Croatia: its chemical composition and appearance as an igneous mineral in leucogranite-hosted pegmatite

In this article, dumortierite from Croatia is described for the first time. Dumortierite formed in a pegmatite dyke cutting through Cretaceous two-mica leucogranite of the magmatic-metamorphic complex of Mt. Moslavačka Gora. The pegmatite dyke shows a magmatic mineral association of coarse-grained quartz, orthoclase, microcline and albite, less abundant muscovite, biotite, pinkish andalusite and blue-coloured prismatic dumortierite I crystals. Subsequent alteration by titanium-rich hydrothermal fluids led to partial replacement of dumortierite I and andalusite by secondary fibrous to acicular purple dumortierite II enriched in Mg and Ti. During temperature decrease perthite developed in feldspars and at a still later stage, sericite partially replaced not only feldspars but also andalusite and both types of dumortierite along grain boundaries and cracks. Final alteration at very low temperatures caused formation of clay minerals at the expense of feldspars. According to mineral chemical analyses, the feldspars are represented by albite and K-feldspar with a low albite component. Biotite corresponds to annite and its subhedral shape and chemical composition point to magmatic crystallisation from a peraluminous melt derived from a crustal source. Coarse muscovite flakes contain 1.31-1.48 wt.% FeO and 0.56-0.70 wt.% TiO2. Their Na/(Na+K) ratios (0.08–0.09) prove a magmatic origin, whereas lower ratios in sericite (0.04–0.06) indicate formation during retrogression. Magmatic muscovite is in textural equilibrium with andalusite, also implying an igneous origin for the latter, which belongs to the S3 textural type of andalusite in felsic igneous rocks. Electron microprobe analyses clearly show a strong positive correlation between Si tetrahedral deficiency (3-Si) and the sum of Al+Ti, (R2= 0.85) in both types of dumortierite, implying Al replacement by Ti. However, Al replacement by Ti is not restricted to Al in the octahedral position, as generally accepted, but most probably also in the tetrahedral position. Distinct pleochroic colours in dumortierite are usually explained by the [Fe/(Fe+Ti)]x100 factor, but according to this study, elevated Mg contents stabilize red to violet coloured dumortierite at higher [Fe/(Fe+Ti)] x100 factors than those previously suggested. Dumortierite-bearing pegmatite and host two-mica leucogranite show strong chemical similarities in their major, minor and trace element contents. Both rock types have a strong peraluminous character (ASI = 1.6 in pegmatite vs 1.8 in leucogranite), low CaO/Na2O ratios (0.11 vs 0.14), high Rb/Ba (74.5 vs 16.4) and Rb/Sr ratios (78.4 vs 43.3) as well as relatively high Al2O3/TiO2 ratios (261 vs 210). For the leucogranitic melt these characteristics indicate derivation from a pelitic source and low melting rates at relatively low temperatures. With respect to the field relationships and the chemical similarities, formation of the pegmatitic melt by fractional crystallisation during solidification of the two-mica leucogranite is inferred. Based on the mineralogical composition, the dumortierite-bearing pegmatite from Mt. Moslavačka Gora may be a member of the abyssal pegmatite class and the AB-BBe subclass. However, its formation by fractional crystallisation from a granitic melt argues against this interpretation, as all other dumortierite-bearing granitic pegmatites occur in high-grade metamorphic host rocks and are thought to be products of anatectic melting of country rocks. Therefore, the investigated pegmatite is quite unique and not fully comparable with any previously described dumortierite-bearing pegmatite worldwide

Association of lipid-lowering drugs, anti-diabetic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and levodopa with age-related macular degeneration in Europeans: A meta-analysis of the European Eye Epidemiology (E3) - consortium

International audiencePurpose : Changes in lipid metabolism, chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress have been discussed as patho-etiogenetic drivers in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Systemic medication, such as lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) and anti-diabetic drugs, affect these pathways and may therefore also play a role in AMD pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate associations of commonly used systemic drugs with AMD prevalence in the European population.Methods : We included 38,694 adults from 14 population-based studies from the European Eye Epidemiology (E3) consortium. We performed multivariable logistic regression modelling to examine medication use association with prevalence of AMD as well as late AMD. Analyses were carried out separately by study and results pooled using random effects meta-analysis. We conducted these analyses separately for LLD, anti-diabetic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and L-Dopa.Results : Between studies, mean age ranged from 61.5 ± 7.1 to 82.6 ± 3.8 years and prevalence ranged from 12.1% to 64.5% and from 0.5% to 35.5% for any and any late AMD, respectively. In the meta-analysis of our multivariable models, LLD and anti-diabetic drugs were associated with lower AMD prevalence (OR 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.79 - 0.91 and OR 0.78, 95% CI=0.66 - 0.91). We found no association with late AMD or with any other medication.Conclusions : Our study shows an association of LLD and anti-diabetic drug use with lower AMD prevalence across multiple European cohorts. Our findings support the importance of metabolic processes in the complex etiology of AMD

Association of lipid-lowering drugs and antidiabetic drugs with age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis in Europeans

International audienceBackground/aims To investigate the association of commonly used systemic medications with prevalent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the general population. Methods We included 38 694 adults from 14 population-based and hospital-based studies from the European Eye Epidemiology consortium. We examined associations between the use of systemic medications and any prevalent AMD as well as any late AMD using multivariable logistic regression modelling per study and pooled results using random effects meta-analysis. Results Between studies, mean age ranged from 61.5±7.1 to 82.6±3.8 years and prevalence ranged from 12.1% to 64.5% and from 0.5% to 35.5% for any and late AMD, respectively. In the meta-analysis of fully adjusted multivariable models, lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) and antidiabetic drugs were associated with lower prevalent any AMD (OR 0.85, 95% CI=0.79 to 0.91 and OR 0.78, 95% CI=0.66 to 0.91). We found no association with late AMD or with any other medication. Conclusion Our study indicates a potential beneficial effect of LLD and antidiabetic drug use on prevalence of AMD across multiple European cohorts. Our findings support the importance of metabolic processes in the multifactorial aetiology of AMD. HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY ⇒ These findings have implications for public health messages, underline the link of AMD with cardiovascular comorbidities and may provide potential future therapeutic targets