Modeling rare species distribution at the edge: the case for the vulnerable endemic Pyrenean desman in France

The endemic Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) is an elusive, rare, and vulnerable species declining over its entire and narrow range (Spain, Portugal, France, and Andorra). The principal set of conservation measures in France is a 5-years National Action Plan based on 25 conservation actions. Priority is given to update its present distribution and develop tools for predictive distribution models. We aim at building the first species distribution model and map for the northern edge of the range of the Desman and confronting the outputs of the model to target conservation efforts in the context of environmental change. Contrasting to former comparable studies, we derive a simpler model emphasizing the importance of factors linked to precipitation and not to the temperature. If temperature is one of the climate change key factors, depicted shrinkage in Desman distribution could be lower or null at the northern (French) edge suggesting thus a major role for this northern population in terms of conservation of the species. Finally, we question the applied issue of temporal and spatial transferability for such environmental favourability models when it is made at the edge of the distribution range.

A Framework for 3D Model-Based Visual Tracking Using a GPU-Accelerated Particle Filter

A novel framework for acceleration of particle filtering approaches to 3D model-based, markerless visual tracking in monocular video is described. Specifically, we present a methodology for partitioning and mapping the computationally expensive weight-update stage of a particle filter to a graphics processing unit (GPU) to achieve particle- and pixel-level parallelism. Nvidia CUDA and Direct3D are employed to harness the massively parallel computational power of modern GPUs for simulation (3D model rendering) and evaluation (segmentation, feature extraction, and weight calculation) of hundreds of particles at high speeds. The proposed framework addresses the computational intensity that is intrinsic to all particle filter approaches, including those that have been modified to minimize the number of particles required for a particular task. Performance and tracking quality results for rigid object and articulated hand tracking experiments demonstrate markerless, model-based visual tracking on consumer-grade graphics hardware with pixel-level accuracy up to 95 percent at 60+ frames per second. The framework accelerates particle evaluation up to 49 times over a comparable CPU-only implementation, providing an increased particle count while maintaining real-time frame rates.

Growth hormone transgenesis does not influence territorial dominance or growth and survival of first-feeding Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in food-limited stream microcosms

This study explored the relative competitive ability and performance of first-feeding growth hormone (GH) transgenic and non-transgenic Atlantic salmon Salmo salar fry under low food conditions. Pair-wise dominance trials indicated a strong competitive advantage for residents of a contested foraging territory. Transgenic and non-transgenic individuals, however, were equally likely to be dominant. Similarly, in stream environments with limited food, the transgene did not influence the growth in mass or survival at high or low fry densities. Fry in low-density treatments, however, performed better than fry in high-density treatments. These results indicate that, under the environment examined, the growth performance of GH-transgenic and non-transgenic S. salar may be similar during first feeding, an intense period of selection in their life history. Similarities in competitive ability and growth performance with wild-type fish suggest that the capacity of transgenic S. salar to establish in natural streams may not be inhibited during early life history.

A piezoelectric bone-conduction bending hearing actuator

A prototype of a novel bone-conduction hearing actuator based on a piezoelectric bending actuator is presented. The device lies flat against the skull which would allow it to form the basis of a subcutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid. The actuator excites bending in bone through a local bending moment rather than the application of a point force as with conventional bone-anchored hearing aids. Through measurements of the cochlear velocity created by the actuator in embalmed human heads, the device is shown to exhibit high efficiency, making it a possible alternative to present-day electromagnetic bone-vibration actuators.

Antidiuretic action of angiotensin II in the river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis: evidence for endocrine control of kidney function in cyclostomes

Intravenous infusion of angiotensin II ([Asn¹ Val⁵]-Ang II) at 10⁻⁹ mol min⁻¹ kg⁻¹ body mass produced a significant antidiuresis in river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis, captured during upstream migration and maintained in fresh water. Although the renin-angiotensin hormonal system (RAS) is now recognized in jawless fishes, until this study, the role of homologous Ang II in L. fluviatilis kidney function had not been examined. This study provides the first evidence for an antidiuretic action of Ang II in cyclostomes and, in evolutionary terms, suggests a renal function for the RAS in early vertebrates.

Hypoxia and cell cycle regulation of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor

Inactivation of von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) is associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease, an inherited cancer syndrome, as well as the majority of patients with sporadic clear cell renal carcinoma (RCC). While the involvement of pVHL in oxygen sensing through targeting HIFα subunits to ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis has been well documented, less is known about pVHL regulation under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. We found that pVHL levels decreased in hypoxia and that hypoxia-induced cell cycle arrest is associated with pVHL expression in RCC cells. pVHL levels fluctuate during the cell cycle, paralleling cyclin B1 levels, with decreased levels in mitosis and G1. pVHL contains consensus Destruction box sequences, and pVHL associates with Cdh1, an activator of the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) E3 ubiquitin ligase. We show that pVHL has a decreased half-life in G1, Cdh1 downregulation results in increased pVHL expression, while Cdh1 overexpression results in decreased pVHL expression. Taken together these results suggest that pVHL is a novel substrate of APC/C^Cdh1. Destruction box-independent pVHL degradation was also detected, indicating that other ubiquitin ligases are also activated for pVHL degradation.

Heat Shock Induction of Manganese Peroxidase Gene Transcription in Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The expression of manganese peroxidase (MnP) in nitrogen-limited cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium is regulated by heat shock at the level of gene transcription. Nitrogen limitation and manganous ion [Mn(II)] previously have been shown to regulate mnp gene transcription. Northern (RNA) blot analysis demonstrates that 45 degrees C heat shock results in the accumulation of mnp mRNA, even in cells grown in the absence of Mn. Heat shock induces mnp gene transcription in 4- or 5-day-old cells, and mnp mRNA is detectable after 15 min at 45 degrees C. Maximum accumulation of mnp mRNA is observed 1 to 2 h after transfer of cultures to 45 degrees C. Two hours after heat shock-induced cultures grown in the absence of Mn are transferred back to 37 degrees C, mnp mRNA is no longer detectable. Higher levels of mnp mRNA are obtained with simultaneous induction by Mn and heat shock than by either treatment alone. Neither MnP enzyme activity nor protein is detectable in heat-shocked cultures grown in the absence of Mn. However, higher MnP activity is found in the extracellular medium of cultures induced by both heat shock and Mn than in the medium of cultures induced by Mn alone. These results suggest that the putative heat shock elements found in the promoter region of the mnp genes are physiologically functional and that Mn may be required for a posttranscriptional step of MnP production under heat shock conditions.

Changes in arterial, mixed venous and intraerythrocytic concentrations of ions in supramaximally exercising horses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Horses experience major perturbations in acid-base balance during supramaximal exercise. Ion movement in and out of erythrocytes (RBCs) is believed to be important in maintaining acid-base balance but it is unclear as to the extent to which this happens, nor how it affects single measurements of ion concentrations in arterial and venous blood.

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the role RBCs play in mitigating perturbations in acid-base balance during high speed exercise in horses, and to describe associated differences in arterial (a) and mixed venous (v) concentrations of key ions.

METHODS

Six exercise-trained Thoroughbreds galloped to fatigue at speeds calculated to have an oxygen demand that was 115% of the VO2max. Blood samples (a and v) were collected pre-exercise, during warm-up, at fatigue, and immediately post exercise. Packed cell volume (PCV), pH, PCO2, and plasma concentrations of bicarbonate (HCOP3-), chloride (Cl-), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and lactate (Lac-) and strong ion difference (SID) were determined, and RBC concentrations of Lac- and electrolytes calculated for each sample. Data were analysed using a 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures testing for effects of sampling time and site (P<0.05).

RESULTS

Plasma and RBC [Cl-] were increased with hypercapnoea and acidaemia. [HCO3-]v was greater than pre-exercise values at fatigue, although [HCO3l]a was lower. Hyperkalaemia and decreased RBC [K+] were evident at fatigue, as was an increased RBC [Na+]. Plasma [K+] started to decrease as soon as exercise ceased and Na+ began to move back onto RBCs in exchange for K+. Concentrations of all measures of Lac- rose from fatigue to post exercise. The SID decreased with exercise and was higher in v at fatigue and post exercise, reflecting the decrease in pH.

CONCLUSIONS

RBCs act as a repository for lactate, and therefore the increase in PCV facilitates the maintenance of the muscle to plasma Lac- diffusion gradient during exercise.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

This serves to keep intramuscular [Lac-] lower than it would otherwise be and, because of the link between Lac- accumulation, pH decrease and the onset of fatigue, may help delay the onset of fatigue.

Mastocytoma in the common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons of a horse

A 13-year-old Morgan gelding was examined for right forelimb lameness and tenosynovitis of the right common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons. The horse had moderate right forelimb lameness at the trot and marked effusion of the right common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a soft tissue mass within the proximal pouch of the affected tendon sheath, located adjacent to the distal physis of the radius. Cytology and culture of the fluid revealed a sterile, eosinophilic tenosynovitis. Tenoscopic exploration confirmed the presence of a capsulated soft tissue mass. Thecotomy was required to fully debride the mass, which histology revealed to be a mast cell tumour. At 22 months postoperatively, the horse developed mild right forelimb lameness and eosinophilic tenosynovitis because of recurrence of the mastocytoma. Mastocytosis is a possible differential diagnosis in any horse exhibiting lameness associated with tenosynovitis. Surgical excision combined with rest and postoperative intrasynovial and systemic corticosteroids may be palliative.

Effect of laryngoplasty on respiratory noise reduction in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Laryngoplasty is the technique of choice for treatment of laryngeal hemiplegia, with the aim of improving airway function and/or eliminating respiratory noise. However, there are no quantitative data in the literature describing the effect of laryngoplasty on upper airway noise or its relationship to upper airway mechanics in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether laryngoplasty reduces respiratory noise in exercising horses with laryngeal hemiplegia; and to establish whether the degree of upper airway obstruction can be predicted by upper airway noise, or the degree of arytenoid abduction correlated with airway obstruction and noise production.

METHODS

Six Standardbred horses with normal upper airways during maximal exercise were used. Respiratory sounds and inspiratory transupper airway pressure (Pui) were measured in all horses before and after induction of laryngeal hemiplegia and 30, 60 and 90 days after laryngoplasty. Inspiratory sound level (SL) and the sound intensity of the 3 inspiratory formants (F1, F2 and F3, respectively) were measured using a computer-based sound analysis programme. The degree of abduction was graded by endoscopic visualisation 1, 30, 60 and 90 days post operatively. Linear regression analysis was used to determine correlations between Pui, sound indices and grades of arytenoid abduction.

RESULTS

In laryngeal hemiplegia-affected horses, Pui, inspiratory SL and the sound intensity of F1, F2 and F3 were significantly increased. At 30 days following laryngoplasty, the sound intensity of F1 and Pui returned to baseline values. The sound intensities of F2, F3 and SL were significantly improved from laryngeal hemiplegia values at 30 days post operatively, but did not return to baseline at any measurement period. Sound level, F2 and F3 were significantly correlated with Pui (P<0.05), but the correlations were weak (r2 = 0.26, 035 and 0.40, respectively). Grade of abduction and F2 were positively and significantly correlated (P<0.006, r2 = 0.76). Grade of arytenoid abduction and Pui were not correlated (P = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Laryngoplasty reduced inspiratory noise in laryngeal hemiplegia-affected horses by 30 days following surgery, but did not return it to baseline values. While upper airway noise and Pui were correlated, this relationship was insufficiently strong to predict Pui from noise in individual animals. The degree of arytenoid abduction was not correlated with Pui, but was positively correlated with noise production.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

Laryngoplasty reduces upper airway noise in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia, but is not as effective as bilateral ventriculocordectomy in this regard, although respiratory noise reduction occurs more rapidly than with bilateral ventriculocordectomy. Residual noise during exercise cannot be used as a predictor of improvement in upper airway function in individual horses following laryngoplasty. The degree of arytenoid abduction obtained following surgery does not affect upper airway flow mechanics. Interestingly, we found that the greater the arytenoid abduction, the louder the respiratory noise.

Prevalence of pharyngeal and laryngeal abnormalities in Thoroughbreds racing in Australia, and their association with performance

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Little information is available regarding the prevalence of abnormalities of the upper airway and their association with performance in the general population of Thoroughbred racehorses.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the prevalence of selected abnormalities of the upper airway and their association with performance in Thoroughbred racehorses in Australia.

HYPOTHESIS

That abnormalities of the upper airway of Thoroughbred racehorses are associated with poor race performance.

METHODS

Rhinolaryngoscopy was performed after racing and presence and characteristics of abnormalities of the larynx and pharynx were recorded in a prospective cross-sectional study of Thoroughbred horses racing in Victoria, Australia.

RESULTS

Rhinolaryngoscopy was performed once on each of 744 horses over 35 months. Fifty abnormalities of the upper airway were detected in 47 horses (6.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.7-83%). Epiglottic entrapment was detected in 7 horses (0.9%, 95% CI 0.4-1.9%) and was significantly (P = 0.015) associated with superior performance. Grade 2 asymmetry (4 grade scale) of the left arytenoid cartilage was detected in 9 horses (1.2%, 95% CI 0.5-2.4%) and was also associated with superior performance (P<0.001). Ulceration or erosion of the mucosa of the axial surface of one or both arytenoids was detected in 18 horses (2.4%, 95% CI 13-3.8%) and was not associated with alterations in exercise performance (P = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Epiglottic entrapment, Grade 2 laryngeal asymmetry and mucosal erosions detected in Thoroughbred racehorses were not associated with impaired performance; therefore, surgical correction and concern over laryngeal function in horses with Grade 2 asymmetry may not be necessary in individuals performing to expectation.

Ventriculocordectomy reduces respiratory noise in horses with laryngeal hemiplegia

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Show and performance horse with laryngeal hemiplegia (LH) often present for excessive respiratory noise rather than significant exercise intolerance. Therefore, the goal of surgery in these horses is to reduce respiratory noise but there are no quantitative studies evaluating the effect of any upper-airway surgery in LH-affected horses.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether bilateral ventriculocordectomy (VC) reduces respiratory noise in exercising horses with laryngeal hemiplegia.

METHODS

Six Standardbred horses with normal upper airways were used in this study. Respiratory sounds and inspiratory trans-upper airway pressure (Pui) were measured in all horses before and after induction of LH, and 30, 90 and 120 days after VC. In horses with LH, spectrogram analysis revealed 3 inspiratory sound formants centred at approximately 400, 1700 and 3700 Hz. Inspiratory sound levels (SL) and the sound intensity of the 3 inspiratory formants (F1, F2, F3 respectively) were measured using a computer-based sound analysis programme.

RESULTS

In LH-affected horses, Pui, inspiratory SL and the sound intensity of F2 and F3 were significantly increased compared to baseline values. At 90 and 120 days after VC the sound intensities of F2 and F3 returned to baseline values. The Pui and SL, were significantly decreased compared to LH values, but remained different from baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

VC effectively reduces inspiratory noise in LH-affected horses by 90 days following surgery. Inspiratory trans-upper airway pressures are improved 30 days following VC, but do not return to baseline values.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

VC can be recommended as a surgical treatment of LH-affected horses if reduction of respiratory noise is the primary objective of surgery. Further studies are required to determine if variations of the surgical technique used in this study will have similar results.

Heart rate variability and ventilatory efficiency

The aims of this investigation were to identify possible associations between the resting high frequency component of heart rate variability and measures of ventilatory efficiency, determined during exercise, in a group of endurance trained athletes. V'E, V'CO2, and V'O2 were measured during incremental exercise up to the anaerobic threshold (AT) and up to volitional exhaustion (V'O2 max) in 12 subjects. Resting high frequency heart rate variability (HF(NU)), determined using spectral analysis of ECG traces, was correlated with the V'E vs. V'CO2 slope calculated from data up to the AT, where a negative linear relation between the V'E vs. V'CO2 slope and HF (NU) was recorded (R(2)=0.69). Also, resting HF (NU) was correlated with the V'E vs. V'CO (2) slope, when the data used for slope calculation included all V'E vs. V'CO2 data up to V'O2 max (R(2)=0.56). However, there was no evidence of association between the minimum V'E:V'CO (2) and resting HF(NU) (R(2)=0.08). Negative relations between V'E vs. V'CO2 slope and resting HF(NU) suggest that HF(NU) plays a role in matching blood flow in the lung to alveolar ventilation throughout the ventilatory cycle.

Indirect measures of human vagal withdrawal during head-up tilt with and without a respiratory acidosis

Human ECG records were analyzed during supine (SUP) rest and whole body 80 degrees head-up tilt (HUT), with a respiratory acidosis (5%CO(2)) and breathing room air (RA). HUT increased heart rate in both conditions (RA(SUP) 60 +/- 13 vs. RA(HUT) 79 +/- 16; 5%CO(2SUP) 63 +/- 12 vs. 5%CO(2HUT) 79 +/- 14 beats min(-1)) and decreased mean R-R interval, with no changes in the R-R interval standard deviation. When corrected for changes in frequency spectrum total power (NU), the high frequency (0.15-0.4 Hz) component (HF(NU)) of heart rate variability decreased (RA(SUP) 44.01 +/- 21.57 vs. RA(HUT) 24.05 +/- 13.09; 5%CO(2SUP) 69.23 +/- 15.37 vs. 5%CO(2HUT) 47.64 +/- 21.11) without accompanying changes in the low frequency (0.04-0.15 Hz) component (LF(NU)) (RA(SUP) 52.36 +/- 21.93 vs. RA(HUT) 66.58 +/- 19.49; 5%CO(2SUP) 22.97 +/- 11.54 vs. 5%CO(2HUT) 40.45 +/- 21.41). Positive linear relations between the tilt-induced changes (Delta) in HF(NU) and R-R interval were recorded for RA (DeltaHF(NU) = 0.0787(DeltaR-R) - 11.3, R (2) = 0.79, P < 0.05), and for 5%CO(2) (DeltaHF(NU) = 0.0334(DeltaR-R) + 1.1, R (2) = 0.82, P < 0.05). The decreased HF component suggested withdrawal of vagal activity during HUT. For both RA and 5%CO(2), the positive linear relations between DeltaHF(NU) and DeltaR-R suggested that the greater the increase in heart rate with HUT, the greater the vagal withdrawal. However, a reduced range of DeltaHF during HUT with respiratory acidosis suggested vagal withdrawal was lower with a respiratory acidosis.

CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells from human peripheral blood express very high levels of CD25 ex vivo

Selective isolation of only those CD4+ T cells that display the highest levels of CD25 by FACS results in a highly homogeneous regulatory population as defined by functional activity and the expression of multiple surface antigens. Thus greater than 98% of CD4+CD25high cells express CD45RO in the absence of CD45RA expression. Upon TCR stimulation CD4+CD25high cells are both anergic and tolerogenic as they inhibit proliferation and cytokine secretion by activated CD4+CD25- responder T cells in a contact-dependent manner. In contrast, CD4+ cells that express lower levels of CD25 are more heterogeneous in their levels of expression of CD45RO, HLA-DR and CD122, and do not exhibit anergic or suppressive characteristics. Providing either CD28 co-stimulation or IL2 to a maximal anti-CD3 stimulus results in a modest induction of proliferation and the loss of observable suppression by CD4+CD25high regulatory cells. Unlike CTLA4 blockade, blocking the interaction of PD-1 with its ligand PD-L1 affects the level of suppression. However, since this reduction in suppression by alphaPD-L1 can be overcome by increasing the number of CD4+CD25high T cells in the co-culture assay, the mechanism of CD4-CD25high regulation can proceed in the absence of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions, although it is not as efficient.

An internet database for the classification and dissemination of information about hazardous chemicals and occupational diseases

BACKGROUND

The amount of information about hazardous agents in the workplace exceeds the capacity of human memory. There is a need to accurately represent or map this scientific knowledge for digital storage and retrieval.

METHODS

A relational database of hazardous chemicals and occupational diseases was constructed by first collecting and sifting through the large volume of information. The information was indexed with a controlled vocabulary and documented with references to the scientific literature.

RESULTS

The evolving database is available on the website of the National Library of Medicine. It enables users to browse categories and query by pick lists. Users can drill down to find specific information that may be useful for intervention and prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

The large amount of information needed to support decisions concerning occupational exposures and diseases can be distilled, classified, and summarized in a relational database and disseminated by means of the World Wide Web to assist in the prevention of work-related diseases.

Umbilical cord blood transplantation: basic biology and clinical challenges to immune reconstitution

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has continued to evolve as a common procedure for the treatment of hematological malignancies and bone marrow failure. Donor bone marrow and mobilized peripheral stem cells are routinely employed for the reconstitution of immune function in leukemia and lymphoma patients following radiation and/or chemotherapy. Unfortunately, only 30% of patients have an HLA-identical sibling donor and the identification of matched unrelated donors, particularly for minorities, can present an exceptional challenge. The transplantation of umbilical cord blood (UCB) represents the most recent strategy to expand the potential donor pool while maintaining an acceptable level of treatment-related complications. First utilized in children, UCB transplantation permits a higher degree of HLA disparity while demonstrating a reduction in the incidence and severity of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) compared to previous transplantation modalities. Despite the apparent decrease in GvHD, relapse rates remain comparable to transplantation with bone marrow or mobilized peripheral blood suggesting a strong graft-versus-leukemia/lymphoma (GvL) effect. However, several issues complicate the use of UCB transplantation and its extension to the treatment of adults. Many infections that afflict transplant patients are particularly frequent and more severe in the context of UCB transplantation. UCB T-cells are naive and therefore display less proliferation and IFN-gamma production in response to cognate antigen and also appear to demonstrate defects in signal transduction mechanisms. In addition, UCB contains T regulatory cells (Treg) with more potent suppressor function than adult Treg. Furthermore, adult patients often require more total cells and CD34+ progenitors for transplantation than a single UCB unit can provide. Thus, strategies to expand selected subpopulations from UCB and the use of multi-unit transplantation are areas of active research. This review will provide a condensed summary of the clinical history of UCB transplantation and emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to hematological malignancies in comparison to other methods of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Subsequently, it will mainly focus on the current challenges to immune reconstitution presented by UCB transplantation, recent research into their cellular and molecular mechanisms, and experimental approaches to overcome them.

CD160 inhibits activation of human CD4+ T cells through interaction with herpesvirus entry mediator

CD160, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is expressed on both cytolytic lymphocytes and some unstimulated CD4+ T cells. Here we show that CD160 expression was increased after activation of human CD4+ T cells and that crosslinking CD160 with monoclonal antibody strongly inhibited CD3- and CD28-mediated activation. We found that herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) was a ligand of CD160 that acted as a 'bidirectional switch' for T cell activation, producing a positive or negative outcome depending on the engagement of HVEM by CD160 and known HVEM ligands such as B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and the T lymphocyte receptor LIGHT. Inhibition of CD4+ T cell activation by HVEM-transfected cells was dependent on CD160 and BTLA; when the cysteine-rich domain 1 of HVEM was deleted, this inhibition was lost, resulting in strong T cell activation. CD160 thus serves as a negative regulator of CD4+ T cell activation through its interaction with HVEM.

Cardiac vagal control and respiratory sinus arrhythmia during hypercapnia in humans

Normoxic hypercapnia may increase high-frequency (HF) power in heart rate variability (HRV) and also increase respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Low-frequency (LF) power may remain unchanged. In this study, 5-min ECG recordings (N = 10) were analyzed in time and frequency domains while human subjects breathed normoxic 5% CO2 (5%CO2) or room air (RA). Tidal volume (VT), inhalatory (TI), and exhalatory (TE) times of breaths in the final minute were measured. ECG time domain measures were unaffected by CO2 inhalation (P > 0.05). Following natural logarithmic transformation (LN), LFLN was unaltered (RA: 7.14 +/- 0.95 vs. 5%CO2: 7.35 +/- 1.12, P > 0.05), and HFLN increased (RA: 7.65 +/- 1.37 vs. 5%CO2: 8.58 +/- 1.11, P < 0.05) with CO2 inhalation. When changes in total power (NU) were corrected, LF(NU) decreased (RA: 34.4 +/- 22.9 vs. 5%CO2: 23.8 +/- 23.1, P < 0.01), and HFNU increased (RA: 56.5 +/- 22.3 vs. 5%CO2: 66.8 +/- 22.9, P < 0.01) with CO2 inhalation. TI (RA: 2.0 +/- 1.0 vs. 5%CO2: 1.9 +/- 0.8 s) and TE (RA: 2.5 +/- 1.1 vs. 5%CO2: 2.4 +/- 0.9 s) remained unchanged, but VT increased with CO2 inhalation (RA: 1.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 5%CO2: 2.0 +/- 0.8 L, P < 0.001). Heart rates during inhalation (RA: 35.2 +/- 4.4, 5%CO2: 34.5 +/- 4.8 beats min(-1)) were different from heart rates during exhalation (RA: 28.8 +/- 4.4, 5%CO2: 29.1 +/- 3.1 beats min(-1)). Hypercapnia did not increase the clustering of heart beats during inhalation, and we suggest that the HF component may not adequately reflect RSA.

Uterus unicornis in two mares

Two American Paint Horses, a 3-year-old nulliparous mare and a 7-year-old primiparous mare, presented for recent infertility and a pre-breeding examination, respectively. Examination of the internal reproductive tract of both mares using transrectal palpation and ultrasonography revealed the presence of the cervix, uterine body, left uterine horn and bilateral ovaries. The right uterine horn could neither be palpated nor imaged. The clinical diagnosis of uterus unicornis in one mare was confirmed at necropsy, which revealed combined aplasia of the right uterine horn and oviduct.

Pigs weaned from the sow at 10 days of age respond to dietary energy source of manufactured liquid diets and exogenous porcine somatotropin

Previous research indicates that the neonatal pig does not alter feed intake in response to changes in the energy density of manufactured liquid diets. Also, the limited response of IGF-I to exogenous porcine ST (pST) previously observed in young pigs may be influenced by the source of dietary energy. Our objectives were to 1) determine the effect of a high-fat (HF; 25% fat and 4,639 kcal/kg ME; DM basis) or low-fat (LF; 2% fat and 3,481 kcal/kg ME; DM basis) manufactured liquid diet on pig performance; and 2) determine whether the limited response to exogenous pST in young pigs depends on the source of dietary energy. Two replicates of 60 pigs (n = 120; barrows and gilts distributed evenly), with an initial BW of 4,207 +/- 51 g, were weaned from the sow at 10 d of age and used in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were assigned by BW to one of six pens. Diets were formulated to provide a constant lysine:ME ratio and were fed on a pen basis for a duration of 9 d. On d 5, barrows and gilts within a pen were assigned randomly to receive either 0 or 120 microg of pST.kg BW(-1).d(-1) for 4 d. Pigs gained 336 +/- 9 g/d, which resulted in an ending BW of 7,228 +/- 120 g, regardless of dietary treatment (P > 0.15). Pigs fed the LF diet consumed 17% more DM per pen daily than pigs fed the HF diet (2,777 +/- 67 vs. 2,376 +/- 67 g/d, P < 0.01), but calculated ME intake did not differ between dietary treatments (P > 0.20). The G:F was 24% greater in HF- than in LF-fed pigs (P < 0.01). Plasma urea N concentrations were higher in the HF-fed pigs (11.0 +/- 0.6 mg/dL) than in pigs fed the LF diet (6.2 +/- 0.6 mg/dL; P < 0.05). Treatment with pST increased circulating IGF-I (P < 0.01) and decreased PUN (P < 0.01) concentration 32 and 25%, respectively, regardless of dietary treatment (P > 0.30). Circulating leptin averaged 1.8 +/- 0.1 ng/mL and was not affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.35) or pST (P > 0.40). These results suggest that the ST/IGF axis is responsive in the young pig and the increase in circulating IGF-I and growth is independent of the source of dietary energy. Also, young pigs respond to a lower energy density liquid diet with increased feed intake, without altering growth performance, apparently utilizing a mechanism other than circulating leptin.

Ultrasound versus 'clinical touch' for catheter guidance during embryo transfer in women

BACKGROUND

Many women undergoing an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycle will not achieve a live birth. Failure at the embryo transfer stage may be due to poor embryo quality, lack of uterine receptivity, or the transfer technique itself. Numerous methods, including the use of ultrasound guidance for proper catheter placement in the endometrial cavity, have been suggested as a means of improving the technique of embryo transfer. This review evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasound (UGET) in comparison with 'clinical touch' embryo transfer (CTET) the traditional method of embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVES

:To determine whether ultrasound guidance influences treatment outcomes in women undergoing embryo transfer (ET) during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles.

SEARCH STRATEGY

All electronic databases were searched on 20 th August 2006. We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group trials register (searched August 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2006), MEDLINE (1970-2006), EMBASE (1985-2006), BIO Extracts (1980-2006). Relevant conference proceedings were also hand searched (ASRM, ESHRE and FIGO).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled trials were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and quality of trials and extracted data from those selected.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirteen out of fifteen identified studies were eligible for analysis. No study reported live births, however, personal communication resulted in data relating to this outcome being obtained in two of the studies. Six studies reported on ongoing pregnancies. The live birth/ ongoing pregnancies per woman randomised associated with UGET (452/1376) was significantly higher than for clinical touch (353/1338) OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.18 to 1.66, P<0.0001). This means, for example, that for a population of women with a 25% chance of pregnancy using clinical touch this would be increased to 32% (28% to 46%) by using UGET. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of adverse events between the two comparison groups with the exception of blood on the catheter.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The studies are limited by their quality with only one of the thirteen studies reporting details of both computerised randomisation techniques and adequate allocation concealment. Ultrasound guidance does appear to improve the chances of live/ongoing and clinical pregnancies compared with clinical touch methods. The quality of future studies should be improved with adequate reporting of randomisation, allocation concealment, and power calculations. The primary outcome measure of future studies should be the reporting of live births per woman randomised.