Estimated Risk for Altered Fetal Growth Resulting from Exposure to Fine Particles during Pregnancy: An Epidemiologic Prospective Cohort Study in Poland

The purpose of this study was to estimate exposure of pregnant women in Poland to fine particulate matter [≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM(2.5))] and to assess its effect on the birth outcomes. The cohort consisted of 362 pregnant women who gave birth between 34 and 43 weeks of gestation. The enrollment included only nonsmoking women with singleton pregnancies, 18–35 years of age, who were free from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. PM(2.5) was measured by personal air monitoring over 48 hr during the second trimester of pregnancy. All assessed birth effects were adjusted in multiple linear regression models for potential confounding factors such as the size of mother (maternal height, prepregnancy weight), parity, sex of child, gestational age, season of birth, and self-reported environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The regression model explained 35% of the variability in birth weight (β = −200.8, p = 0.03), and both regression coefficients for PM(2.5) and birth length (β = −1.44, p = 0.01) and head circumference (HC; β = −0.73, p = 0.02) were significant as well. In all regression models, the effect of ETS was insignificant. Predicted reduction in birth weight at an increase of exposure from 10 to 50 μg/m(3) was 140.3 g. The corresponding predicted reduction of birth length would be 1.0 cm, and of HC, 0.5 cm. The study provides new and convincing epidemiologic evidence that high personal exposure to fine particles is associated with adverse effects on the developing fetus. These results indicate the need to reduce ambient fine particulate concentrations. However, further research should establish possible biologic mechanisms explaining the observed relationship

Radiosensitisation of U87MG brain tumours by anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies

As epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been reported to be a radiation response modulator, HER inhibitors are regarded to act as potential radiosensitisers. Our study examined the role of nimotuzumab and cetuximab both, the two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to EGFR, as radiosensitisers in a murine glioma model in vivo. Co-administration of both the antibodies with radiation increased the radiosensitivity of U87MG, resulting in a significant delay of subcutaneous (s.c.) tumour growth. Furthermore, the addition of antibodies to the radiation decreased brain tumour sizes and is inhibited by 40–80% the increased tumour cell invasion provoked by radiotherapy, although promoted tumour cell apoptosis. Whereas nimotuzumab led to a reduction in the size of tumour blood vessels and proliferating cells in s.c. tumours, cetuximab had no significant antiangiogenic nor antiproliferative activity. In contrast, cetuximab induced a more marked inhibition of EGFR downstream signalling compared with nimotuzumab. Moreover, both antibodies reduced the total number of radioresistant CD133+ cancer stem cells (CSCs). These results were encouraging, and showed the superiority of combined treatment of mAbs to EGFR and radiation over each single therapy against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), confirming the role of these drugs as radiosensitisers in human GBM. In addition, we first showed the ability of mAb specifics against EGFR to target radioresistant glioma CSC, supporting the potential use in patients

Recentering Beam-Column Connections Using Shape Memory Alloys

Shape memory alloys are a class of alloys that display the unique ability to undergo large plastic deformations and return to their original shape either through the application of heat (shape memory effect) or by relieving the stress causing the deformation (superelastic effect). This research takes advantage of the unique characteristics of shape memory alloys in order to provide a moment resisting connection with recentering capabilities. In this study, superelastic Nitinol, a nickel-titanium form of shape memory alloy that exhibits a flag-shaped stress versus strain curve, is used as the moment transfer elements within a partially restrained steel beam-column connection. Experimental testing consists of a one-half scale interior connection where the loading is applied at the column tip. A pseudo-static cyclic loading history is used which is intended to simulate earthquake loadings. The energy dissipation characteristics, moment-rotation characteristics, and deformation capacity of the connection are quantified. Results are then compared to tests where A36 steel tendons are used as the moment transfer elements. The superelastic Nitinol tendon connection showed superior performance to the A36 steel tendon connection, including the ability to recenter without residual deformation.M.S.Committee Chair: DesRoches, Reginald; Committee Co-Chair: Leon, Roberto; Committee Member: Jacobs, Laurenc

Zachowania agresywne u kota domowego (Felis catus)

Aggressive behaviors in domestic cats (Felis catus) Behavioral issues of cats include: furniture scratching, aggression, anxiety, over-stimulation, exaggerated vocalizations and excreting outside the litter box. Among these, aggression - both passive and active – is the most commonly encountered problem. Aggressive behavior is a complex phenomenon, dependent on both genetic and environmental factors. Among the factors leading to agonistic behavior two categories are distinguished: psychobiological factors (which include biochemical and physiological processes, disposition and mood, emotional reactions, motor actions and vegetative reactions) and environmental factors (such as incorrect socialization, unfriendly surroundings or irresponsible animal owners) . The most widespread type of aggression in cats reared in groups is linked to the desire to gain and maintain their territory. Another type of agonistic behavior is one born out of fear, exhibited by cats in a crisis situation once there is no escape route, and the animal is certain it has to fight to survive. This behavior differs from others in that aggression is here the last resort and not the first response to a disturbing situation. Another source of aggression may be anxiety caused by a sudden change in the environment, the presence of people and other animals. An interesting type of aggression linked to the natural hunting sequence of cats is aggression during play, which especially affects cats during adolescence. While working with an aggressive animal, a caregiver has a range of different mitigating and calming measures at hand, but their proper selection requires experience and cooperation with a veterinarian and a behaviorist).Zachowania agresywne u kota domowego (Felis catus). Wśród problemów behawioralnych kotów wymienia się: drapanie mebli, agresję, stany lękowe, nadmierne pobudzenie, przesadną wokalizację i wydalanie poza kuwetą, z których to właśnie agresja, zarówno bierna jak i czynna są spotykane najczęściej. Zachowania agresywne są zjawiskiem złożonym, uzależnionym zarówno od czynników genetycznych, jak i środowiskowych. Wśród czynników prowadzących do agresji można wyróżnić czynniki psychobiologiczne, do których zaliczyć można przebieg procesów fizjologicznych, usposobienie i nastrój, reakcje emocjonalne, akty motoryczne oraz reakcje wegetatywne, oraz czynniki środowiskowe, takie jak błędna socjalizacja, nieprzyjazne otoczenie czy nieodpowiedzialni właściciele zwierząt. Najczęstszym typem agresji u kotów utrzymywanych w grupach, jest chęć zdobycia i utrzymania swojego terytorium. Innym typem agresji, jest agresja ze strachu którą przejawia kot "przyparty do muru", gdy nie widzi już możliwości ucieczki, i w swoim mniemaniu, walczy o życie. Ten sposób zachowania różni się od innych tym, że jest on ostatnim, a nie pierwszym elementem odpowiedzi na niepokojącą sytuację. Źródłem agresji może być lęk spowodowany nagłą zmianą w otoczeniu, obecnością ludzi i innych zwierząt. Ciekawym typem agresji, powiązanej z łańcuchem łowieckim, jest agresja podczas zabawy, która dotyczy zwłaszcza kotów w okresie dorastania. W przypadku pracy ze zwierzęciem agresywnym opiekun ma do dyspozycji szereg różnych środków łagodzących i uspakajających jednak ich prawidłowy dobór wymaga doświadczenia i współpracy z lekarzem weterynarii i behawiorystą

Niekonwencjonalne użytkowanie świń

Unconventional uses of pigs. The study presents the possibilities of pigs’ sensory organs and their sensitivity to odor stimuli (i.e. to search for truffles and drugs by pigs), as well as their role in the animal adaptation processes. We use the knowledge about the senses to more effectively enrich farming environment and in this way to improve the animal welfare. The pigs’ ability to distinguish and remember sounds and the appropriate associated reaction can be used to create the desired behavior, improve welfare of pigs and their production results. Similarly, the pigs’ ability to distinguish colors and their color preferences also enable to influence the behavior, welfare, and production effects of pigs. Miniature pigs are used as companion animals and in rehabilitation. The similarity in the anatomical structure of the pig and human organs, and the course of physiological and metabolic processes are used in medical research and creates hope for their use in so-called xenotransplantation. Transgenic pigs create new horizons in the unconventional use of pigs