Longevity, body dimension and reproductive mode drive differences in aquatic versus terrestrial life-history strategies

1. Aquatic and terrestrial environments display stark differences in key environmental factors and phylogenetic composition but their consequences for the evolution of species' life-history strategies remain poorly understood. 2. Here, we examine whether and how life-history strategies vary between terrestrial and aquatic species. We use demographic information for 685 terrestrial and 122 aquatic animal and plant species to estimate key life-history traits. We then use phylogenetically corrected least squares regression to explore potential differences in trade-offs between life-history traits between both environments. We contrast life-history strategies of aquatic versus terrestrial species in a principal component analysis while accounting for body dimensions and phylogenetic relationships. 3. Our results show that the same trade-offs structure terrestrial and aquatic life histories, resulting in two dominant axes of variation that describe species' pace of life and reproductive strategies. Terrestrial plants display a large diversity of strategies, including the longest-lived species in this study. Aquatic animals exhibit higher reproductive frequency than terrestrial animals. When correcting for body size, mobile and sessile terrestrial organisms show slower paces of life than aquatic ones. 4. Aquatic and terrestrial species are ruled by the same life-history trade-offs, but have evolved different strategies, likely due to distinct environmental selective pressures. Such contrasting life-history strategies have important consequences for the conservation and management of aquatic and terrestrial species

Na+-dependent Ca2+ ion flux inhibition by 17 beta-estradiol in caudate nucleus mitochondria

In this study the Ca2+ ion flux modulation in the synaptosomal mitochondria isolated from caudate nucleus (CN) of the ovariectomised rats was examined. 17 beta-estradiol (E2), E2-conjugated to bovine serum albumin (E-BSA), estradiol receptor α (ERα) agonist 4,4',4''-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol (PPT), ERβ agonist 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DNP) and ERα/β antagonist 7α,17β-[9[(4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentyl)sulfinyl]nonyl]estra-1,3,5(10)- triene-3,17-diol (ICI 182,780) were used. The Ca2+ efflux inhibition of about 27% was detected in the presence of 0.5 nmol/l E2, and of about 20% in the case of E-BSA. DNP (10 nmol/l) was as much potent Ca2+ efflux inhibitor as E2, while PPT (10 nmol/l) hardly had any inhibitory effect (9% efflux decrease). When E2 binding to ERα and ERβ was prevented by 1 μmol/l ICI 182,780, the Ca2+ efflux inhibition of about 15% was detected. Our results suggest that E2 prevents Ca2+ efflux from synaptosomal mitochondria due to ERβ activation rather than ERα. The involvement of the external E2 binding site on the mitochondrial membrane probably different from ERα/β should not be excluded because of Ca2+ efflux inhibition detected in the presence of E-BSA and ICI 182,780. The Ca2+ efflux modulation could be the mechanism through which E2 exerts its neuromodulatory role in specific brain structures

Regioselective protein oxidative cleavage enabled by enzyme-like recognition of an inorganic metal oxo cluster ligand

Oxidative modifications of proteins are key to many applications in biotechnology. Metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions efficiently oxidize proteins but with low selectivity, and are highly dependent on the protein surface residues to direct the reaction. Herein, we demonstrate that discrete inorganic ligands such as polyoxometalates enable an efficient and selective protein oxidative cleavage. In the presence of ascorbate (1 mM), the Cu-substituted polyoxometalate K8[Cu2+(H2O)(α2-P2W17O61)], (CuIIWD, 0.05 mM) selectively cleave hen egg white lysozyme under physiological conditions (pH =7.5, 37 °C) producing only four bands in the gel electropherogram (12.7, 11, 10, and 5 kDa). Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis reveals a regioselective cleavage in the vicinity of crystallographic CuIIWD/lysozyme interaction sites. Mechanistically, polyoxometalate is critical to position the Cu at the protein surface and limit the generation of oxidative species to the proximity of binding sites. Ultimately, this study outlines the potential of discrete, designable metal oxo clusters as catalysts for the selective modification of proteins through radical mechanisms under non-denaturing conditions

Modulation of hepatic inflammation and energy-sensing pathways in the rat liver by high-fructose diet and chronic stress

Purpose High-fructose consumption and chronic stress are both associated with metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance. Recently, disturbed activity of energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was recognized as mediator between nutrient-induced stress and inflammation. Thus, we analyzed the effects of high-fructose diet, alone or in combination with chronic stress, on glucose homeostasis, inflammation and expression of energy sensing proteins in the rat liver. Methods In male Wistar rats exposed to 9-week 20% fructose diet and/or 4-week chronic unpredictable stress we measured plasma and hepatic corticosterone level, indicators of glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, hepatic inflammation (pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, Toll-like receptor 4, NLRP3, activation of NF kappa B, JNK and ERK pathways) and levels of energy-sensing proteins AMPK, SIRT1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha). Results High-fructose diet led to glucose intolerance, activation of NF kappa B and JNK pathways and increased intrahepatic IL-1 beta, TNF alpha and inhibitory phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 on Ser(307). It also decreased phospho-AMPK/AMPK ratio and increased SIRT1 expression. Stress alone increased plasma and hepatic corticosterone but did not influence glucose tolerance, nor hepatic inflammatory or energy-sensing proteins. After the combined treatment, hepatic corticosterone was increased, glucose tolerance remained preserved, while hepatic inflammation was partially prevented despite decreased AMPK activity. Conclusion High-fructose diet resulted in glucose intolerance, hepatic inflammation, decreased AMPK activity and reduced insulin sensitivity. Chronic stress alone did not exert such effects, but when applied together with high-fructose diet it could partially prevent fructose-induced inflammation, presumably due to increased hepatic glucocorticoids

Cichoń’s diagram for uncountable cardinals

We develop a version of Cichoń’s diagram for cardinal invariants on the generalized Cantor space 2 κ or the generalized Baire space κ κ , where κ is an uncountable regular cardinal. For strongly inaccessible κ, many of the ZFC-results about the order relationship of the cardinal invariants which hold for ω generalize; for example, we obtain a natural generalization of the Bartoszyński–Raisonnier–Stern Theorem. We also prove a number of independence results, both with < κ-support iterations and κ-support iterations and products, showing that we consistently have strict inequality between some of the cardinal invariants

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Uticaj različitih doza prepartalno aplikovanog selena na smanjenje učestalosti zaostajanja posteljice kod visokomlečnih krava

periodu kod krava čiji je porođaj indukovan preparatima prostaglandina F2α. Cilj je bio da se utvrdi efekat Se na učestalost zaostale posteljice (RP), oksidativni/antioksidativni status, stepen opšteg stresa, uticaj na koncentraciju tireoidnih i steroidnih hormona, kao i da se uporede vrednosti istih parametara kod životinja sa i bez zaostale posteljice, nezavisno od tretmana. Ogled je izveden na trideset tri (33) krave Holštajn-Frizijske rase koje su metodom slučajnog izbora podeljene u tri grupe kojima je jednokratno, intramuskulurno, apliciran suplement natrijum selenita (NaSe) i tokoferol acetata (TAc) na sledeći način: kontrolna grupa (n=9) nije dobijala suplement i služila je kao negativna kontrola; grupa 1 (n=11) je dobila 10 mg NaSe + 400 mg TAc; grupa 2 (n=13) je dobila 20 mg NaSe + 800 mg TAc, 21 dan pre očekivanog porođaja. Porođaj kod svih krava je indukovan sa PGF2α, ali ne pre 275-og dana graviditeta. Heparinizirana krv je sakupljana za određivanje aktivnosti glutation peroksidaze (GPx), koncentracije Se, malondialdehida (MDA), tiroksina (T4), trijodtironina (T3), kortizola, estradiola, progesterona, β-hidroksibutirata (BHBA) i aktivnosti glutamat dehidrogenaze (GLDH). Procenat zastupljenosti RP kod krava u grupi 1 opao je na 38,2%, a u grupi 2 na 30,8%, u odnosu na kontrolu (66,7%), kao posledica dodavanja Se. Koncentracija Se i aktivnost GPx u krvi suplementiranih grupa bile su više u odnosu na kontrolu, ali se nisu međusobno razlikovale, dok je koncentracija MDA kod suplementiranih krava bila značajno niža u poređenju sa kontrolom. Plazmatska koncentracija T4 bila je značajno viša u grupi 1 u poređenju sa kontrolom, dok se koncentracija T3 nije razlikovala između grupa. Koncentracija kortizola u grupi 2 bila je značajno niža u odnosu na kontrolu i grupu 1. Pritom, kod nesuplementiranih životinja nivo kortizola je neprekidno rastao u periodu od 12h pre do 12h posle porođaja, dok se kod suplementiranih grupa nivoi nisu menjali. Koncentracije progesterona i estradiola nisu reagovale na dodatak Se. Plotkinje koje nisu razvile RP imale su značajno višu koncentraciju Se i aktivnost GPx u punoj krvi i, kao posledicu, značajno niže koncentracije MDA u krvnoj plazmi u odnosu na krave kod kojih je dijagnostikovana RP. Krave sa RP imale su značajno višu koncentraciju progesterona u poređenju sa životinjama bez RP, dok se nivoi ostalih steroidnih hormona nisu razlikovali. Plazmatska aktivnost GLDH i koncentracija BHBA kretale su se u fiziološkim granicama.This study analyzes the effects of pre-partal application of selenium (Se) to cows whose parturition was induced using prostaglandine F2α. The goal was to determine the effects of Se on the incidence of retained placenta (RP), oxidative/anti-oxidative status, level of general stress, thyroid and steroid hormones, as well as to compare the above parameters between cows with and without RP, independently of treatment. The experiment was carried out on 33 Holstein-Friesian cows divided randomly into 3 groups. The treatment consisted of a single term i/m injection of sodium selenite (NaSe) and tocopherol acetate (TAc), as follows: the untreated group (n=9) served as a negative control; group 1 (n=11) recieved 10 mg NaSe + 400 mg TAc; group 2 (n=13) recieved 20 mg NaSe + 800 mg TAc, 21 days before the expected parturition. In all cows parturition was induced using PGF2α, never before the 275th day of gestation. Heparinized blood was collected to determine GPx activity, concentrations of Se, malondialdehyde (MDA), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), cortisol, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) activity. Percent of RP in group 1 was reduced to 38,2% and in group 2 to 30,2% compared to control (66,7%) as a consequence of Se supplementation. Blood Se concentration and GPx activity were higher in supplemented groups compared to the control, but did not differ between groups 1 and 2; plasma MDA content was significantly lower in supplemented groups compared to the control. Plasma T4 was significantly higher in group 1 compared to the control, while T3 did not differ between groups. Plasma cortisol content was significantly lower in group 2 compared to the control and group 1. In unsupplemented animals plasma cortisol level constantly raised from 12h before to 12h after parturition, while in the supplemented group it was unchanged. Plasma progesterone and estradiol levels were unaffected by Se treatment. Cows without RP had significantly higher blood Se concentration and GPx activity and as a consequence lower plasma MDA content compared to cows with RP. Plasma progesterone was higher in non-RP animals, while the concentration of other hormones did not differ. Plasma GLDH activity and BHBA concentrations were within physiological limit