Contrafreeloading and foraging-related behavior in hens differing in laying performance and phylogenetic origin

Different breeds of domestic and junglefowl differ in foraging strategies indicating that domestication resulted in modified energy saving behavioral strategies. In the present study we investigated foraging strategies and foraging-related behavior in 4 lines of laying hens differing in phylogenetic origin and laying performance to analyze a possible relationship between foraging and the level of egg production. High performing brown and white pure bred lines were compared with their low performing brown and white counterparts. To control possible effects on behavior other than genetic effects, all hens were reared and kept in an identical environment. A total of 72 hens from each line were kept in 6 compartments with 12 hens per compartment, respectively. Observations were done for 3 times during one laying period. Foraging strategy was tested by a contrafreeloading (CFL) paradigm. CFL describes a behavior in which animals prefer food that requires effort to obtain, although at the same time food is freely available. The hens were offered a commercial standard diet in one trough and a mixture of wood shavings and commercial standard diet in another trough. The behavior of hens was video recorded and the activity level of individual hens in the litter area was recorded by an antenna-transponder system. The high performing layers showed less CFL and foraging-related behavior compared with their low performing counterparts in both the white and brown layers. Despite differences in CFL, all hens showed a preference for the commercial standard diet compared to the mixture of wood-shavings. Our results show an association between foraging strategy and level of egg production. This suggests that a high level of egg production is accompanied by behaviors enabling the hens to satisfy their higher energy demand more efficiently. Saving energy by reduced activity probably allows them to reallocate energy into reproduction, that is, laying performance.

Fate of trace organic compounds in the hyporheic zone: Influence of microbial metabolism

The hyporheic zone (HZ) is considered a hydrodynamically-driven bioreactor with significant pollutant removal capacities and can therefore not only improve wholestream water quality but also preserve human and ecosystem health. Microbial metabolism is hypothesized to play a key role in pollutant transformation in hyporheic sediments of natural streams. However, previous work investigating the influence of microbial metabolism on pollutant transformation has been predominantly laboratory studies. The key challenge for field studies is the appropriate determination of net microbial metabolism, i.e. information on the actual exposure times to specific microbial processes in the investigated system. The present study uses reactive fluorescent tracers to determine microbial metabolism and ultimately its influence on pollutant transformation, e.g. for trace organic compounds, in hyporheic sediments under natural conditions. In particular, the reactive fluorescent tracers resazurin and its main transformation product resorufin were used to determine the microbial metabolism of facultative or obligate aerobes. The influence of the derived microbial metabolism on the transformation of 20 trace organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, including 3 parent-daughter pairs, was examined. The present findings validate laboratory results on the microbially-mediated transformation of the anticonvulsant gabapentin to its main transformation product gabapentin lactam under natural conditions. All other TrOCs investigated did not show a clear link between TrOC reactivity to the microbial metabolism informed by the resazurin-resorufin-system. Overall, the present study not only demonstrates the use of the fluorescent tracer-system resazurin and resorufin for determining microbial metabolism of facultative or obligate aerobes but also generally highlights the potential of reactive fluorescent tracers to disentangle specific reactive properties and ultimately their influence on the fate of pollutants in natural HZs.

Estradiol-17ß Is Influenced by Age, Housing System, and Laying Performance in Genetically Divergent Laying Hens (Gallus gallus f.d.)

The estrogen estradiol-17ß is known as one of the major gonadal steroid hormones with different functions in reproduction. In this study we analyzed estradiol-17ß concentration in laying hens of four pure bred chicken laying lines at four different time intervals of the laying period (17th-19th week of age, 33rd-35th week of age, 49th-51st week of age, and 72nd week of age). The high performing white egg (WLA) and brown egg (BLA) layer lines as well as the low performing white (R11) and brown (L68) layer lines were kept in both single cages and a floor housing system. We investigated whether there were differences in estradiol -17ß concentrations between lines at different ages that could be related to selection for high egg production or phylogenetic origin of the animals, and whether there was an influence of housing conditions on estradiol-17ß. Estradiol-17ß concentrations differed between high and low performing layer lines at all time intervals studied. High performing hens showed higher estradiol-17ß concentrations compared to low performing hens. In all lines, highest estradiol-17ß concentration was measured at their 49th to their 51st week of age, whereas the peak of laying intensity was observed at their 33rd to their 35th week of age. Additionally, hens with fewer opportunities for activity housed in cages showed higher estradiol-17ß concentrations than hens kept in a floor housing system with more movement possibilities. We could show that laying performance is strongly linked with estradiol -17ß concentration. This concentration changes during laying period and is also influenced by the housing system.

Determining hyporheic removal rates of trace organic compounds using non-parametric conservative transport with multiple sorption models

Assessing the transport and reactive processes of contaminants in freshwater streams is crucial in managing water resources sustainably. Particularly the hyporheic zone, the sediment-water interface where surface water and groundwater mix, may possess significant contaminant removal capacities due to its myriad physical, chemical, and microbiological processes. However, modelling approaches aiming at assessing the hyporheic zone's reactivity are either based on simple assumptions, such as, predefining the shape of the residence times distribution (RTD) function, or are computationally not feasible due to a too detailed system characterisation. In addition, parent-daughter reactions of contaminants are barely investigated. The present study introduces a numerical modelling framework for assessing hyporheic reactions of contaminant transformation reactions based on a non-parametric residence time approach combined with multiple sorption models and first-order removal reactions. The proposed framework uses natural electrical conductivity fluctuations to determine conservative transport properties and is demonstrated by interpreting time series of hyporheic point measurements of trace organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, and their transformation products using two commonly-used sorption models, namely the simple retardation and the first-order kinetic sorption model. The developed approach gives similar reaction rate coefficient estimates for all contaminants considered for both sorption models tested. The findings highlight that (i) the accurate shape of the RTD is most certainly important for reactive parameter determination and (ii) the daughter reaction rate coefficient may be underestimated if its parent transformation is ignored. The model provides reactive parameter estimates of contaminant transformation reactions with high parameter identifiability and informs which specific parent-daughter-pathway has occurred.

Ghrelin plasma concentration does not covary with energy demand in adult laying hens

The peptide hormone ghrelin is suggested to be involved in food intake regulation in young growing chicken. Whether ghrelin is involved in the regulation of energetic balance associated with laying performance in adult laying hens was studied by use of 4 chicken lines that differ in laying performance and phylogeny (4 lines; 16 hens per line). As housing conditions are also known to affect energy demand, half of the hens per line were housed in single cages and the other half of hens were maintained in a floor housing system. Plasma samples were collected at 17 to 19, 33 to 35, 49 to 51, and 72 wk of age and analyzed with a chicken ghrelin ELISA Kit. From caged hens, individual food consumption and laying performance additionally was recorded. Due to its function in growth and its relationship with ghrelin, also GH plasma concentrations were analyzed. Ghrelin concentrations did not differ between the 4 lines at any of the test periods (all P > 0.05). Ghrelin was negatively related to food consumption only in the growing period of the high-performing lines (both P < 0.0001). During this phase, floor-housed hens showed greater ghrelin concentrations compared with caged hens (P < 0.0001). Our results suggest that in adult layers ghrelin is not involved in regulating energy intake related to laying performance but rather seems to be related to body growth and housing condition before start of lay, the latter possibly due to differences in hens' behavioral activity.

Effect of rocker shoe design features on forefoot plantar pressures in people with and without diabetes

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the precise rocker shoe outsole design that will optimally reduce plantar pressure in people with diabetes. This study aimed to understand how peak plantar pressure is influenced by systematically varying three design features which characterise a curved rocker shoe: apex angle, apex position and rocker angle.

METHODS

A total of 12 different rocker shoe designs, spanning a range of each of the three design features, were tested in 24 people with diabetes and 24 healthy participants. Each subject also wore a flexible control shoe. Peak plantar pressure, in four anatomical regions, was recorded for each of the 13 shoes during walking at a controlled speed.

FINDINGS

There were a number of significant main effects for each of the three design features, however, the precise effect of each feature varied between the different regions. The results demonstrated maximum pressure reduction in the 2nd-4th metatarsal regions (39%) but that lower rocker angles (<20°) and anterior apex positions (>60% shoe length) should be avoided for this region. The effect of apex angle was most pronounced in the 1st metatarsophalangeal region with a clear decrease in pressure as the apex angle was increased to 100°.

INTERPRETATION

We suggest that an outsole design with a 95° apex angle, apex position at 60% of shoe length and 20° rocker angle may achieve an optimal balance for offloading different regions of the forefoot. However, future studies incorporating additional design feature combinations, on high risk patients, are required to make definitive recommendations.

[Company centredness in the rehabilitation system of the German Democratic Republic, GDR]

This article describes major aspects of the rehabilitation system of the former German Democratic Republic, GDR. Based on presentation of the actors in the medical and occupational rehabilitation system, differences are pointed out in comparison to the notion of rehabilitation in the former Federal Republic of Germany, FRG. The article focuses on the system of rehabilitation after stroke, which is outlined with relevant scientific literature. The health and rehabilitation system of the GDR was company-centred. Patients in rehabilitation received comprehensive care and guidance, and especially the companies played an integrative part and adjusted the occupational activity of the patients in rehabilitation to their physical and mental abilities in order to avoid early retirement. On account of the political and social transformation process as well as transfer of the health and rehabilitation legislation of the old FRG, the company-centred rehabilitation system of the GDR was replaced, implementing West German rehabilitation structures in East Germany as well.

An easy-to-use semiquantitative food record validated for energy intake by using doubly labelled water technique

BACKGROUND

Estimating dietary intake is important for both epidemiological and clinical studies, but often lacks accuracy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the accuracy and validity of energy intake estimated by an easy-to-use semiquantitative food record (EI(SQFR)) compared to total energy expenditure (TEE) estimated by doubly labelled water technique (EE(DLW)).

DESIGN

TEE was measured in 29 nonobese subjects using the doubly labelled water method over a period of 14 days. Within this period, subjects reported their food consumption by a newly developed semiquantitative food record for 4 consecutive days. Energy intake was calculated using the German Food Code and Nutrition Data Base BLS II.3.

RESULTS

A good correlation was observed between EI(SQFR) and EE(DLW) (r = 0.685, P < 0.001). The mean difference between EI(SQFR) and EE(DLW) was -1.7+/-2.6 MJ/day (-14+/-21%, P = 0.002). An underestimation of EI(SQFR) <10% was observed in nine subjects (31%), of 10-20% in six subjects (21%), and of >20% in nine subjects (31%). In five subjects (17%), an overestimation of EI(SQFR) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The easy-to-use semiquantitative food record provided good estimates of EI in free-living and nonobese adults without prior detailed verbal instructions. The presented food record has limitations regarding accuracy at the individual level.

Expression and function of the peptide transporters in escape variants of human renal cell carcinomas

The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) complex is a heterodimeric transmembrane pump consisting of the TAP-1 and TAP-2 subunits; these subunits translocate peptides from the cytoplasm into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, where they bind nascent major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Loss or reduced expression of the TAP genes results in the synthesis of unstable peptide free MHC class I molecules that are only weakly expressed on the cell surface. In a number of human tumor cell lines, downregulation of MHC class I expression has been found to be associated with reduced or absent TAP expression. To investigate whether alterations in MHC class I expression occur during transformation and subsequent progression and whether MHC class I suppression is caused by impaired TAP function, we analyzed the protein expression of MHC class I heavy and light chain and TAP-1 in three renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and short-term cultures from corresponding normal kidney tissue. In one case a cell line established from a metastatic lesion was also available. Compared with normal epithelial cells, suppression of TAP-1 and MHC class I molecules was detected in all three primary RCC cells and was even more pronounced in the metastatic cell line. In contrast to normal epithelial cells, MHC class I membrane expression of two RCC lines was enhanced by culture in the presence of MHC class I binding peptides or at low temperature (26 degrees C) instead of 37 degrees C. Unstable MHC class I surface expression is caused by dissociation of the MHC class I heavy and light chain molecules as a result of functional defects in the antigen processing machinery, e.g., impaired peptide transport. Attempts to counteract the reduced immunogenicity by transferring the TAP genes into these cells demonstrated that TAP-1-modified RCC cells expressed higher levels of MHC class I molecules. These data indicate that downregulation and instability of MHC class I surface expression in RCC cells is at least partially caused by deficient loading with endogenous peptides and can be restored by TAP gene transfer.

IFN-gamma-mediated coordinated transcriptional regulation of the human TAP-1 and LMP-2 genes in human renal cell carcinoma

Some human tumor cells exhibit deficient expression of the peptide transporters TAP1 and TAP2 and of the proteasome subunits low molecular weight protein (LMP)-2 and LMP-7, which could be partially restored by cytokine treatment. Here, we show that IFN-gamma stimulation of human renal cell carcinoma lines increased the MHC class I, transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), and LMP transcript and protein levels, but TAP and LMP expression are more rapidly induced by IFN-gamma than MHC class I molecules. No correlation between the level of induction of the MHC class I antigen presentation genes and IFN sensitivity/resistance was detected. The IFN-gamma-mediated increase of MHC class I, TAP-1, and LMP-2 expression was independent of de novo protein synthesis. Analysis of the dual TAP-1/LMP-2 promoter activity revealed that TAP-1 and LMP-2 expression are controlled by IFN-gamma at the transcriptional level. Site-specific mutations in the IFN-gamma-responsive element of the TAP-1/LMP-2 promoter blocked induction by IFN-gamma. Thus, the IFN-gamma-mediated coordinated transcriptional up-regulation of TAP-1 and LMP-2 expression occurs through the use of a common regulatory element, which might result in enhanced recognition of renal cell carcinoma cells by the immune system.

Impaired HLA-class-I stability in a sarcoma cell line which stimulates exclusively HLA-class-II-restricted autologous T cells

Defects in the generation and transport of antigenic peptides within tumor cells will lead to the expression of unstable HLA-class-I molecules on the cell surface. These defects will allow tumor cells to escape an MHC-class-I-restricted T-cell response. Recently, we described an exclusively HLA-class-II-restricted autologous T-cell response against a human sarcoma cell line MZ-MES-1 in vitro. Here, we show that surface HLA-class-I molecules of MZ-MES-1 cells are unstable at physiological temperature. HLA-class-I surface expression of MZ-MES-1 cells could be strongly enhanced by culture at low temperature in contrast to various other cell lines analyzed in parallel. Furthermore, culture at low temperature decreased shedding of HLA-class-I molecules by MZ-MES-1 cells. Incubation with allele-specific HLA-class-I-binding peptides strongly increased HLA-class-I surface expression of MZ-MES-1 sarcoma cells and TAP-deficient T2 cells in contrast to other tumor and B-cell lines tested in parallel. IFN-gamma enhanced the expression of TAP, LMP and HLA-class-I proteins in MZ-MES-1 cells. However, the impaired stability of HLA-class-I surface molecules of MZ-MES-1 could not be reversed by IFN-gamma. These results show a new example of impaired HLA-class-I stability of a human tumor which coincides with lack of HLA-class-I-restricted autologous T cells recognizing this tumor. It underlines the importance of MHC-class-II-restricted T-cell responses against tumors with these defects.

Reduced membrane major histocompatibility complex class I density and stability in a subset of human renal cell carcinomas with low TAP and LMP expression

Suppression of MHC class I expression is thought to allow tumor cells to escape immune surveillance mediated by CD8(+) CTLs. For stable MHC class I surface expression, multiple protein interactions are required for efficient assembly of MHC class I heavy chain and beta 2-microglobulin with endogenous peptides. Peptide processing and transport into the endoplasmic reticulum involves the genes of the transporters associated with antigen processing, TAP-1 and TAP-2, and the two components of the proteasome complex, the low molecular weight proteins LMP-2 and LMP-7. We selected human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells derived from a tumor that is thought to be controlled by host immunity to study the MHC class I antigen presentation machinery. Eleven RCC lines established from primary tumors were investigated for the mRNA and protein expression of MHC class I, TAP, and LMP genes. In addition, membrane stability of MHC class I was determined by incubation of the RCC cell lines at low temperature and in the presence of exogenous HLA-binding peptides. Our results revealed the existence of two different phenotypes of RCC cell lines. Group I displayed temperature-stable MHC class I surface expression associated with high, and in most cases coordinated, expression of MHC class I heavy and light chain, TAP and LMP transcripts, and proteins. Group II demonstrated a marked MHC class I instability at 37 degreesC associated with low but coordinated expression of the respective transcripts and proteins. MHC class I membrane expression of group II, but not of group I RCC cells, could be stabilized by incubation with specific MHC class I binding peptides. These results suggest an important role of the genes of the antigen presentation machinery in stable and efficient MHC class I surface expression of RCC cells. However, it has still to be defined whether deficient antigen processing is one of the mechanisms of RCC cells to escape the surveillance of the immune system.

c-erbA and v-erbA modulate growth and gene expression of a mouse glial precursor cell line

The c-erbA alpha protooncogene coding for the thyroid hormone (T3) receptor (TR alpha 1) and the viral, mutated v-erbA oncogene were expressed in an immortal mouse glial cell line (B3.1) using retroviral vectors. c-erbA alpha expression led to a decrease in cell proliferation in high and low serum conditions, both in the presence and in the absence of T3. In serum-free medium, c-erbA-expressing cells (B3.1 + TR alpha 1) were completely arrested, whereas cells expressing v-erbA (B3.1 + v-erbA) showed a higher DNA synthesis rate than normal B3.1 cells. Although proliferation of all three cell types was stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor, differences were also observed in the response to these agents. B3.1 + TR alpha 1 cells were more sensitive to platelet-derived growth factor than B3.1 and B3.1 + v-erbA cells. In contrast, B3.1 cells responded to basic fibroblast growth factor better than B3.1 + TR alpha 1 or B3.1 + v-erbA cells. Insulin-like growth factor I potentiated the action of platelet-derived growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Again, different responses to treatment with insulin-like growth factor I alone were observed; B3.1 + TR alpha 1 cells did not respond to it, whereas B3.1 + v-erbA cells showed a dramatic stimulation by this agent. Interestingly, in the presence of T3, the blockade in B3.1 + TR alpha 1 cell proliferation was accompanied by the down-regulation of the typical astrocytic genes, glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. These hormone effects were not found in v-erbA-expressing cells. In addition, v-erbA inhibited the basal expression of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase gene, an oligodendrocytic marker.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Left ventricular hemodynamics at rest and during exercise in patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse syndrome (author's transl)]

Idiopathic Mitral Valve Prolapse has been regarded by some authors as a primary cardiomyopathy. To determine, if left ventricular hemodynamics at rest and during exercise are impaired, 20 young symptomatic patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse, proven by echo- and phonocardiography, without coronary artery disease or severe mitral regurgitation, underwent supine bicycle exercise stress testing. Pulmonary artery pressure, central venous oxygen saturation and cardiac index as well as heart rate were measured with a Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheter and the results compared with those of 10 voluntary normal subjects. Variance analysis showed no significant differences in global left ventricular hemodynamics between patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse and normal subjects at rest as well as during exercise. In addition no significant differences were found between patients with echocardiographical holosystolic or mesosystolic mitral valve prolapse. In patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse, global left ventricular hemodynamics are not impaired neither at rest nor during exercise.