Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with bark beetles infesting broadleaved trees in Norway

The diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with coniferous trees in Europe is quite well known. However, far less is known about the species associated with broadleaved trees. This study investigated the diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with bark beetles infesting broadleaved trees in Norway. A total of 671 adult bark beetles were collected from six different tree genera. Ten bark beetle species were found; Anisandrus dispar, Dryocoetes alni, D. villosus, Hylesinus crenatus, H. varius, Scolytus intricatus S. laevis, S. ratzeburgi, Trypodendron domesticum and T. signatum. The mycobiota associated with these beetles is largely unknown. Approximately 2200 isolates were obtained from the sampled beetles and were identified using morphology and DNA-sequencing. This resulted in identification of eighteen species of ophiostomatoid fungi, seven of which are known species: Graphilbum fragrans, Grosmannia piceiperda, Ophiostoma karelicum, O. novo-ulmi, O. quercus, Sporothrix dentifunda and S. prolifera. The remaining eleven species are most likely undescribed. Four of these species are closely related to O. novo-ulmi, within the Ophiostoma ulmi complex. Two of the species belong to Sporothrix. Three species form part art of Leptographium sensu lato. The last two species could not be accurately placed within a species complex, but are likely to belong in Ophiostoma sensu lato. Most of the bark beetles were only associated with 1-3 species of ophiostomatoid fungi. However, the number of new species discovered underlie the need for more studies regarding ophiostomatoid fungi associated with broadleaved trees, both in Norway and other European countries.M-ECO

Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with bark beetles infesting broadleaved trees in Norway

The diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with coniferous trees in Europe is quite well known. However, far less is known about the species associated with broadleaved trees. This study investigated the diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with bark beetles infesting broadleaved trees in Norway. A total of 671 adult bark beetles were collected from six different tree genera. Ten bark beetle species were found; Anisandrus dispar, Dryocoetes alni, D. villosus, Hylesinus crenatus, H. varius, Scolytus intricatus S. laevis, S. ratzeburgi, Trypodendron domesticum and T. signatum. The mycobiota associated with these beetles is largely unknown. Approximately 2200 isolates were obtained from the sampled beetles and were identified using morphology and DNA-sequencing. This resulted in identification of eighteen species of ophiostomatoid fungi, seven of which are known species: Graphilbum fragrans, Grosmannia piceiperda, Ophiostoma karelicum, O. novo-ulmi, O. quercus, Sporothrix dentifunda and S. prolifera. The remaining eleven species are most likely undescribed. Four of these species are closely related to O. novo-ulmi, within the Ophiostoma ulmi complex. Two of the species belong to Sporothrix. Three species form part art of Leptographium sensu lato. The last two species could not be accurately placed within a species complex, but are likely to belong in Ophiostoma sensu lato. Most of the bark beetles were only associated with 1-3 species of ophiostomatoid fungi. However, the number of new species discovered underlie the need for more studies regarding ophiostomatoid fungi associated with broadleaved trees, both in Norway and other European countries

Strength training and protein supplementation improve muscle mass, strength, and function in mobility-limited older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Background Adaptation to strength training in very old mobility-limited individuals is not fully characterized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a thorough investigation of the adaptation to a lower body strength training regime in this population, with particular emphasis on the relationship between changes in selected variables.MethodsTwenty-two mobility-limited older men and women (85 ± 6 years) were randomized to either a group performing 30 min of heavy-load strength training three times a week, with daily protein supplementation, for 10 weeks (ST), or a control group. End points were leg lean mass assessed by DXA, muscle thickness assessed by ultrasound, isometric and dynamic strength, rate of torque development, and functional capacity.ResultsLeg lean mass increased from baseline in ST (0.7 ± 0.3 kg), along with increased thickness of vastus lateralis (4.4 ± 3.2%), rectus femoris (6.7 ± 5.1%), and vastus intermedius (5.8 ± 5.9%). The hypertrophy was accompanied by improved knee extensor strength (20–23%) and functional performance (7–11%). In ST, neither the change in leg lean mass nor muscle thickness correlated with changes in muscle strength. However, a strong correlation was observed between the change in isometric strength and gait velocity (r = 0.70).ConclusionsThe mismatch between gains in muscle size and strength suggests that muscle quality-related adaptations con-tributed to the increases in strength. The correlations observed between improvements in strength and function suggests that interventions eliciting large improvements in strength may also be superior in terms of functional gains in this population

Strength training and protein supplementation improve muscle mass, strength, and function in mobility-limited older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Background Adaptation to strength training in very old mobility-limited individuals is not fully characterized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a thorough investigation of the adaptation to a lower body strength training regime in this population, with particular emphasis on the relationship between changes in selected variables.MethodsTwenty-two mobility-limited older men and women (85 ± 6 years) were randomized to either a group performing 30 min of heavy-load strength training three times a week, with daily protein supplementation, for 10 weeks (ST), or a control group. End points were leg lean mass assessed by DXA, muscle thickness assessed by ultrasound, isometric and dynamic strength, rate of torque development, and functional capacity.ResultsLeg lean mass increased from baseline in ST (0.7 ± 0.3 kg), along with increased thickness of vastus lateralis (4.4 ± 3.2%), rectus femoris (6.7 ± 5.1%), and vastus intermedius (5.8 ± 5.9%). The hypertrophy was accompanied by improved knee extensor strength (20–23%) and functional performance (7–11%). In ST, neither the change in leg lean mass nor muscle thickness correlated with changes in muscle strength. However, a strong correlation was observed between the change in isometric strength and gait velocity (r = 0.70).ConclusionsThe mismatch between gains in muscle size and strength suggests that muscle quality-related adaptations con-tributed to the increases in strength. The correlations observed between improvements in strength and function suggests that interventions eliciting large improvements in strength may also be superior in terms of functional gains in this population

Three new Leptographium spp. (Ophiostomatales) infecting hardwood trees in Norway and Poland

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Transitional justice in practice : truth commissions and policies of victim reparations

Over the years, truth commissions have become an appealing mechnism for dealing with large scale human rights violations. One of the reasons for this is that they avail more opportunities for dealing with the many shades of grey that characterise most conflicts. The mandates have also evolved beyond establishing the truth. It is now common for truth commissions to propose measures or reparations programmes for victims as part of its recommendations. However, considering that truth commissions are temporary establishments with limited time frames and restrictive mandates, what therefore is the future of the recommendations they make in the reports? To further compound this situation, there is often a considerably diminished interest in the issues they raise in the post truth commission phase. The objective of this research is to study the recommendations relating to reparations that truth commissions have issued. It examines how different stakeholders respond to the recommendations and the frameworks that have been set up (or not) to follow-up and implement specific recommendations. Two case studies, Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Ghana National Reconciliation Commission are selected. Whereas these two cases both recommended reparations for victims, different approaches for the follow-up were instituted, both in the reports and during the post truth commission phase. How is this related to the actual realities on the ground with regard to victims’ reparations? This research takes on four major issues in relation to truth commissions and reparations: the inclusion or omission of reparations in the mandate of truth commissions; the content of the recommendations (what reparation, for whom and to whom); the follow-up of the recommendations (agencies and frameworks) and, relevance of truth commissions in making recommendations for victims’ reparations. The research describes the different contexts for the inclusion of reparations within truth commissions and strategies for their implementation, and to this end, it proposes a model for studying the follow-up of recommendations on reparations made by truth commissions.BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS MEMBERS OF THE EXAMINATION COMMITTEE.................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.......................................... v Abstract................................................ vii BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................. xi DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS............................. xiii LIST OF FIGURES......................................... xxv LIST OF TABLES.......................................... xxv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS................................. xxvii GENERAL INTRODUCTION...................................... 3 PART I. SETTING OF THE STUDY.............................. 9 CHAPTER 1. BACKGROUND AND METHODS........................ 11 PART II. THEORETICAL CONSTRUCTIONS....................... 43 CHAPTER 3 IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS: POST-TRUTH COMMISSION............................................... 73 CHAPTER 4. CRIMINOLOGY, TRUTH COMMISSIONS AND REPARATION 95 PART III. OVERVIEW OF THE SELECTED CASES ............... 115 CHAPTER 5: GHANA: “WAS THERE A TRC IN GHANA?”........... 117 CHAPTER 6: SIERRA LEONE: LONG ROAD TO REPARATION ........147 CHAPTER 7: SYNTHESISING THE TWO CASES................... 183 PART IV. RESULTS OF THE EMPIRICAL STUDY................. 195 CHAPTER 8. GHANA: “IT’S NOT PERFECT, BUT IT IS BETTER THAN NONE.” ................................................. 197 CHAPTER 9. SIERRA LEONE: IMPROVISING WITH LIMITED RESOURCES .........................................................253 CHAPTER 10. A GENERAL NOTE ON THE EMPIRICAL STUDY....... 325 PART V: TOWARDS A STUDY OF IMPLEMENTATION .............. 335 CHAPTER 11: UNDERSTANDING IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH....... 337 CHAPTER 12: FRAMEWORK FOR STUDYING IMPLEMENTATION FOLLOWING TRUTH COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS........................ 355 GENERAL CONCLUSION...................................... 377 RECOMMENDATIONS......................................... 389 REFERENCES.............................................. 393nrpages: 434status: publishe

The effects of cold water immersion and active recovery on molecular factors that regulate growth and remodeling of skeletal muscle after resistance exercise

Regular postexercise cooling attenuates muscle hypertrophy, yet its effects on the key molecular factors that regulate muscle growth and remodeling are not well characterized. In the present study, nine men completed two sessions of single-leg resistance exercise on separate days. On 1 day, they sat in cold water (10°C) up to their waist for 10 min after exercise. On the other day, they exercised at a low intensity for 10 min after exercise. Muscle biopsies were collected from the exercised leg before, 2, 24, and 48 h after exercise in both trials. These muscle samples were analyzed to evaluate changes in genes and proteins involved in muscle growth and remodeling. Muscle-specific RING finger 1 mRNA increased at 2 h after both trials (P < 0.05), while insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 Ec, IGF-1 receptor, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 45, collagen type I alpha chain A, collagen type III alpha chain 1, laminin and tissue inhibitor of metallopeptidase 1 mRNA increased 24−48 h after both trials (P < 0.05). By contrast, atrogin-1 mRNA decreased at all time points after both trials (P < 0.05). Protein expression of tenascin C increased 2 h after the active recovery trial (P < 0.05), whereas FoxO3a protein expression decreased after both trials (P < 0.05). Myostatin mRNA and ubiquitin protein expression did not change after either trial. These responses were not significantly different between the trials. The present findings suggest that regular cold water immersion attenuates muscle hypertrophy independently of changes in factors that regulate myogenesis, proteolysis and extracellular matrix remodeling in muscle after exercise.</p

Health-related quality of life after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a single centre's experience

Aims: The aims of this study were to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQL) among patients treated with extracorpo-real membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in northern Norway over a period of 27years (1988–2015) and to identify variables related to HRQL. Methods and results: A retrospective inquiry of the ECMO registry at the University Hospital of North Norway identified 74 ECMO-treated patients (mean age 49 years, 65% males). Acute cardiac failure was the dominant indication (58%), and venoarterial ECMO was the dominant mode of treatment (87%). Mortality for discharged patients was recorded on 20 September 2016. Thirty (41%) survivors were identified. Twenty-three survivors were eligible for the survey and received a set of questionnaires at home. The main outcome measure was HRQL as measured with the 36-item Short-Form health survey (SF-36) (RAND Short Form-36 v1.2). Other questionnaires covered demographic information, problems with functioning in usual daily activities (such as hobbies, household chores, family, or work), employment status, and psychological distress. The survey was completed by 20 (87%) survivors (mean age =49 years, 12 men). Indications for ECMO treatment (VA = 90%) had been respiratory failure (25%), cardiac failure (60%), and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (15%). The average time since ECMO treatment was 6.5 years. Seventy-five percent reported mental HRQL (SF-36 Mental Component Summary,mean =43,SD=5) or physical HRQL (SF-36 Physical Component Summary, mean =43,SD=4.5) within the normal range(T=50±10) in comparison with age-matched population data from national norms. Half of the responders reported problems on the SF-36 subscales general health and role physical. Seventy percent reported problems on the SF-36 subscale role emotional. All but one responder lived independently without any organized care, and 90% reported no problems related to basic self-care. Half of those in working age had returned to work after ECMO treatment. Forty percent of the responders reported some degree of restrictions in usual daily activities, problems with mobility (35%), anxiety/depression (35%), or pain/discomfort (55%). Significant univariate associations were observed for poorer HRQL and higher reports of psychological distress, pain, and experiencing restrictions in usual everyday activities. Improved HRQL was significantly related to an extended time since ECMO treatment. Conclusions: Our survey indicates an overall positive long-term HRQL outcome for our ECMO survivors. A subset reported problems with functioning and HRQL. Future research should focus on identification of the survivors at risk for poor recovery who may benefit from rehabilitation interventions

Native whey induces similar post exercise muscle anabolic responses as regular whey, despite greater leucinemia, in elderly individuals

Objective: Elderly muscle seems less sensitive to the anabolic stimulus of a meal. Changes in blood concentrations of leucine are suggested as one important trigger of the anabolic response in muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate whether native whey protein, containing high amounts of leucine, may be a more potent stimulator of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in elderly than regular whey protein (WPC-80) or milk. Design: Randomized controlled partial crossover. Setting: Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Participants: 21 healthy elderly men and women (≥70 years). Intervention: Participants received either 20 g of WPC-80 and native whey (n = 11) on separate days in a crossover design, or milk (n = 10). Supplements were ingested immediately and two hours after a bout of lower body heavy-load resistance exercise. Measurements: Blood samples and muscle biopsies were collected to measure blood concentrations of amino acids by gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS), phosphorylation of p70S6K, 4E-BP1 and eEF-2 by immunoblotting and mixed muscle fractional synthetic rate (FSR) by use of [2H5]phenylalanine-infusion, GCMS and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Results: Native whey increased blood leucine concentrations more than WPC-80 (P < 0.05), but not p70S6K phosphorylation or mixed muscle FSR. Both whey supplements increased blood leucine concentrations (P < 0.01) and P70S6K phosphorylation more than milk (P = 0.014). Native whey reached higher mixed muscle FSR values than milk (P = 0.026) 1-3h after exercise. Conclusions: Despite greater increases in blood leucine concentrations than WPC-80 and milk, native whey was only superior to milk concerning increases in MPS and phosphorylation of P70S6K during a 5-hour post-exercise period in elderly individuals

The Effects of Cold Water Immersion and Active Recovery on Molecular Factors That Regulate Growth and Remodeling of Skeletal Muscle After Resistance Exercise

Regular postexercise cooling attenuates muscle hypertrophy, yet its effects on the key molecular factors that regulate muscle growth and remodeling are not well characterized. In the present study, nine men completed two sessions of single-leg resistance exercise on separate days. On 1 day, they sat in cold water (10°C) up to their waist for 10 min after exercise. On the other day, they exercised at a low intensity for 10 min after exercise. Muscle biopsies were collected from the exercised leg before, 2, 24, and 48 h after exercise in both trials. These muscle samples were analyzed to evaluate changes in genes and proteins involved in muscle growth and remodeling. Muscle-specific RING finger 1 mRNA increased at 2 h after both trials (P < 0.05), while insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 Ec, IGF-1 receptor, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 45, collagen type I alpha chain A, collagen type III alpha chain 1, laminin and tissue inhibitor of metallopeptidase 1 mRNA increased 24−48 h after both trials (P < 0.05). By contrast, atrogin-1 mRNA decreased at all time points after both trials (P < 0.05). Protein expression of tenascin C increased 2 h after the active recovery trial (P < 0.05), whereas FoxO3a protein expression decreased after both trials (P < 0.05). Myostatin mRNA and ubiquitin protein expression did not change after either trial. These responses were not significantly different between the trials. The present findings suggest that regular cold water immersion attenuates muscle hypertrophy independently of changes in factors that regulate myogenesis, proteolysis and extracellular matrix remodeling in muscle after exercise