Climate velocities and species tracking in global mountain regions

Mountain ranges contain high concentrations of endemic species and are indispensable refugia for lowland species that are facing anthropogenic climate change1,2. Forecasting biodiversity redistribution hinges on assessing whether species can track shifting isotherms as the climate warms3,4. However, a global analysis of the velocities of isotherm shifts along elevation gradients is hindered by the scarcity of weather stations in mountainous regions5. Here we address this issue by mapping the lapse rate of temperature (LRT) across mountain regions globally, both by using satellite data (SLRT) and by using the laws of thermodynamics to account for water vapour6 (that is, the moist adiabatic lapse rate (MALRT)). By dividing the rate of surface warming from 1971 to 2020 by either the SLRT or the MALRT, we provide maps of vertical isotherm shift velocities. We identify 17 mountain regions with exceptionally high vertical isotherm shift velocities (greater than 11.67 m per year for the SLRT; greater than 8.25 m per year for the MALRT), predominantly in dry areas but also in wet regions with shallow lapse rates; for example, northern Sumatra, the Brazilian highlands and southern Africa. By linking these velocities to the velocities of species range shifts, we report instances of close tracking in mountains with lower climate velocities. However, many species lag behind, suggesting that range shift dynamics would persist even if we managed to curb climate-change trajectories. Our findings are key for devising global conservation strategies, particularly in the 17 high-velocity mountain regions that we have identified.

Bringing traits back into the equation: A roadmap to understand species redistribution

Ecological and evolutionary theories have proposed that species traits should be important in mediating species responses to contemporary climate change; yet, empirical evidence has so far provided mixed evidence for the role of behavioral, life history, or ecological characteristics in facilitating or hindering species range shifts. As such, the utility of trait-based approaches to predict species redistribution under climate change has been called into question. We develop the perspective, supported by evidence, that trait variation, if used carefully can have high potential utility, but that past analyses have in many cases failed to identify an explanatory value for traits by not fully embracing the complexity of species range shifts. First, we discuss the relevant theory linking species traits to range shift processes at the leading (expansion) and trailing (contraction) edges of species distributions and highlight the need to clarify the mechanistic basis of trait-based approaches. Second, we provide a brief overview of range shift-trait studies and identify new opportunities for trait integration that consider range-specific processes and intraspecific variability. Third, we explore the circumstances under which environmental and biotic context dependencies are likely to affect our ability to identify the contribution of species traits to range shift processes. Finally, we propose that revealing the role of traits in shaping species redistribution may likely require accounting for methodological variation arising from the range shift estimation process as well as addressing existing functional, geographical, and phylogenetic biases. We provide a series of considerations for more effectively integrating traits as well as extrinsic and methodological factors into species redistribution research. Together, these analytical approaches promise stronger mechanistic and predictive understanding that can help society mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

Higher temperature variability in deforested mountain regions impacts the competitive advantage of nocturnal species

Deforestation is a major contributor to biodiversity loss, yet the impact of forest loss on daily microclimate variability and its implications for species with different daily activity patterns remain poorly understood. Using a recently developed microclimate model, we investigated the effects of deforestation on the daily temperature range (DTR) in low-elevation tropical regions and high-elevation temperate regions. Our results show that deforestation substantially increases DTR in these areas, suggesting a potential impact on species interactions. To test this hypothesis, we studied the competitive interactions between nocturnal burying beetles and all-day-active blowfly maggots in forested and deforested habitats in Taiwan. We show that deforestation leads to increased DTR at higher elevations, which enhances the competitiveness of blowfly maggots during the day and leads to a higher failure rate of carcass burial by the beetles at night. Thus, deforestation-induced temperature variability not only modulates exploitative competition between species with different daily activity patterns, but also likely exacerbates the negative impacts of climate change on nocturnal organisms. In order to limit potential adverse effects on species interactions and their ecological functions, our study highlights the need to protect forests, especially in areas where deforestation can greatly alter temperature variability.

The modulation of Pacific Decadal Oscillation on ENSO-East Asian summer monsoon relationship over the past half-millennium

Monsoon precipitation affects natural and social systems in East Asia, one of the most densely populated regions in the world. Monsoon precipitation variability is strongly influenced by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and may be related to the phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). However, a collective understanding of the long-term PDO-ENSO-monsoon relationship remains limited because related studies are almost exclusively based on short instrumental records. Although paleoclimate proxies for PDO and ENSO are currently available, there is a lack of high-quality proxies for East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) precipitation. Moreover, the strengthening of the ENSO-EASM relationship since the 1970s has raised the question of anthropogenic impact. Reconstructing EASM precipitation is thus crucial to understanding its variability under natural and anthropogenic forcings. In this study, we addressed these challenges using tree ring oxygen isotopes of red cypress (Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsum), a long-lived endemic tree species in Taiwan. We developed an annual-resolved and well-validated EASM precipitation proxy from 1533 CE to 2011 which explained 49 % of the variance in instrumental precipitation. In comparison with multiple paleoclimate proxies, we revealed that PDO persistently modulated the ENSO-EASM relationship over the past half-millennium. The ENSO-EASM relationship was enhanced during the positive PDO phases and dynamically weakened during the negative PDO phases, notably in the early-17th, 18th, and early to mid-20th centuries. The strengthened relationship since the 1970s concurred with an unusually high PDO and ENSO and fell within its natural variability. Nevertheless, as the amplitude of the PDO is predicted to weaken under warming, the modulation effects may become less predictable.

Prevotella hominis sp. nov., isolated from human faeces

A strictly anaerobic predominant bacterium, designated as strain gm001^T, was isolated from a freshly voided faecal sample collected from a healthy Taiwanese adult. Cells were Gram-stain-negative rods, non-motile and non-spore-forming. Strain gm001^T was identified as a member of the genus Prevotella, and a comparison of 16S rRNA and hsp60 gene sequences revealed sequence similarities of 98.5 and 93.3 %, respectively, demonstrating that it was most closely related to the type strain of Prevotella copri. Phylogenomic tree analysis indicated that the gm001^T cluster is an independent lineage of P. copri DSM 18205^T. The average nucleotide identity, digital DNA‒DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values between strain gm001^T and P. copri DSM 18205^T were 80.9, 28.6 and 83.8 %, respectively, which were clearly lower than the species delineation thresholds. The species-specific genes of this novel species were also identified on the basis of pan-genomic analysis. The predominant menaquinones were MK-11 and MK-12, and the predominant fatty acids were anteiso-C_15 : 0, C_15 : 0 and iso-C_15 : 0. Acetate and succinate were produced from glucose as metabolic end products. Taken together, the results indicate that strain gm001^T represents a novel species of the genus Prevotella, for which the name Prevotella hominis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is gm001^T (=BCRC 81118^T=JCM 33280^T).

Locally-adapted reproductive photoperiodism determines population vulnerability to climate change in burying beetles

Understanding how phenotypic traits vary among populations inhabiting different environments is critical for predicting a species' vulnerability to climate change. Yet, little is known about the key functional traits that determine the distribution of populations and the main mechanisms-phenotypic plasticity vs. local adaptation-underlying intraspecific functional trait variation. Using the Asian burying beetle Nicrophorus nepalensis, we demonstrate that mountain ranges differing in elevation and latitude offer unique thermal environments in which two functional traits-thermal tolerance and reproductive photoperiodism-interact to shape breeding phenology. We show that populations on different mountain ranges maintain similar thermal tolerances, but differ in reproductive photoperiodism. Through common garden and reciprocal transplant experiments, we confirm that reproductive photoperiodism is locally adapted and not phenotypically plastic. Accordingly, year-round breeding populations on mountains of intermediate elevation are likely to be most susceptible to future warming because maladaptation occurs when beetles try to breed at warmer temperatures.

Reduced body sizes in climate-impacted Borneo moth assemblages are primarily explained by range shifts

Both community composition changes due to species redistribution and within-species size shifts may alter body-size structures under climate warming. Here we assess the relative contribution of these processes in community-level body-size changes in tropical moth assemblages that moved uphill during a period of warming. Based on resurvey data for seven assemblages of geometrid moths (>8000 individuals) on Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo, in 1965 and 2007, we show significant wing-length reduction (mean shrinkage of 1.3% per species). Range shifts explain most size restructuring, due to uphill shifts of relatively small species, especially at high elevations. Overall, mean forewing length shrank by ca. 5%, much of which is accounted for by species range boundary shifts (3.9%), followed by within-boundary distribution changes (0.5%), and within-species size shrinkage (0.6%). We conclude that the effects of range shifting predominate, but considering species physiological responses is also important for understanding community size reorganization under climate warming.

Body size shifts under climate change may arise from species range shifts, intraspecific size shifts, or both. Here the authors show that body size reduction in moth assemblages on Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo, over 42 years are driven more by species range shifts than by within-species shrinkage.

Contrasting forms of competition set elevational range limits of species

How abiotic and biotic factors constrain distribution limits at the harsh and benign edges of species ranges is hotly debated, partly because macroecological experiments testing the proximate causes of distribution limits are scarce. It has long been recognized - at least since Darwin's On the Origin of Species - that a harsh climate strengthens competition and thus sets species range limits. Using thorough field manipulations along a large elevation gradient, we show the mechanisms by which temperature determines competition type, resulting in a transition from interference to exploitative competition from the lower to the upper elevation limits in burying beetles (Nicrophorus nepalensis). This transition is an example of Darwin's classic hypothesis that benign climates favor direct competition for highly accessible resources while harsh climates result in competition through resources of high rivalry. We propose that identifying the properties of these key resources will provide a more predictive framework to understand the interplay between biotic and abiotic factors in determining geographic range limits.

Fluid Restriction for Treatment of “Fluid Creep” after Acute Burn Resuscitation

Objective

Fluid creep in patients recovering from acute burns still exists, despite the use of a more treatment conservative approach. Most of our severe burn patients develop fluid overload and body weight increase after acute fluid resuscitation. How to quickly return patients to their pre-injury body weight is an important issue.

Methods

Right after acute fluid resuscitation, we applied a “total fluid requirement” volume (usually 1/2 to 2/3 of initial 24 hour volume) and strictly monitored patients' hourly urine (between 0.5-1 ml/kg/hr). Patients' responses (body weight, enteric feeding amount, pulmonary condition, etc.) were also closely monitored and frequent adjustments of fluid volume administration were performed simultaneously.

Results

Most patients regained their pre-injury body weight within 2-3 weeks. Enteric feeding also improved markedly. No patients had severe oedema-related complications.

Conclusions

Stricter fluid administration after acute burn fluid resuscitation is advised for allowing patients to reduce body weight to their pre-injury weight or at least close to it. We use pre-injury body weight, enteric feeding and urine output as our guides. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:222-229)

Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being

Distributions of Earth's species are changing at accelerating rates, increasingly driven by human-mediated climate change. Such changes are already altering the composition of ecological communities, but beyond conservation of natural systems, how and why does this matter? We review evidence that climate-driven species redistribution at regional to global scales affects ecosystem functioning, human well-being, and the dynamics of climate change itself. Production of natural resources required for food security, patterns of disease transmission, and processes of carbon sequestration are all altered by changes in species distribution. Consideration of these effects of biodiversity redistribution is critical yet lacking in most mitigation and adaptation strategies, including the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

Genetic variation in the developmental regulation of cortical avpr1a among prairie voles

Early experiences can have enduring impacts on brain and behavior, but the strength of these effects can be influenced by genetic variation. In principle, polymorphic CpGs (polyCpGs) may contribute to gene-by-environment interactions (G × E) by altering DNA methylation. In this study, we investigate the influence of polyCpGs on the development of vasopressin receptor 1a abundance in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC-V1aR) of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Two alternative alleles ('HI'/'LO') predict RSC avpr1a expression, V1aR abundance and sexual fidelity in adulthood; these alleles differ in the frequency of CpG sites and in methylation at a putative intron enhancer. We hypothesized that the elevated CpG abundance in the LO allele would make homozygous LO/LO voles more sensitive to developmental perturbations. We found that genotype differences in RSC-V1aR abundance emerged early in ontogeny and were accompanied by differences in methylation of the putative enhancer. As predicted, postnatal treatment with an oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTA) reduced RSC-V1aR abundance in LO/LO adults but not their HI/HI siblings. Similarly, methylation inhibition by zebularine increased RSC-V1aR in LO/LO adults, but not in HI/HI siblings. These data show a gene-by-environment interaction in RSC-V1aR. Surprisingly, however, neither OTA nor zebularine altered adult methylation of the intronic enhancer, suggesting that differences in sensitivity could not be explained by CpG density at the enhancer alone. Methylated DNA immunoprecipiation-sequencing showed additional differentially methylated regions between HI/HI and LO/LO voles. Future research should examine the role of these regions and other regulatory elements in the ontogeny of RSC-V1aR and its developmentally induced changes.

Managing consequences of climate-driven species redistribution requires integration of ecology, conservation and social science

Climate change is driving a pervasive global redistribution of the planet's species. Species redistribution poses new questions for the study of ecosystems, conservation science and human societies that require a coordinated and integrated approach. Here we review recent progress, key gaps and strategic directions in this nascent research area, emphasising emerging themes in species redistribution biology, the importance of understanding underlying drivers and the need to anticipate novel outcomes of changes in species ranges. We highlight that species redistribution has manifest implications across multiple temporal and spatial scales and from genes to ecosystems. Understanding range shifts from ecological, physiological, genetic and biogeographical perspectives is essential for informing changing paradigms in conservation science and for designing conservation strategies that incorporate changing population connectivity and advance adaptation to climate change. Species redistributions present challenges for human well-being, environmental management and sustainable development. By synthesising recent approaches, theories and tools, our review establishes an interdisciplinary foundation for the development of future research on species redistribution. Specifically, we demonstrate how ecological, conservation and social research on species redistribution can best be achieved by working across disciplinary boundaries to develop and implement solutions to climate change challenges. Future studies should therefore integrate existing and complementary scientific frameworks while incorporating social science and human-centred approaches. Finally, we emphasise that the best science will not be useful unless more scientists engage with managers, policy makers and the public to develop responsible and socially acceptable options for the global challenges arising from species redistributions.

Cardiac transplantation and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting: our experiences in 11 cases

INTRODUCTION

The shortage of donor hearts for transplantation could be alleviated by including the hearts of older donors. Previous literature revealed similar early and medium-term survival outcomes compared with those of younger donors. This study presents our experience with patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution.

METHODS

We present our experience with 11 patients with end-stage cardiomyopathy (8 men and 3 women) undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting from September 2002 to November 2011 at our institute.

RESULTS

All 11 donor organs would otherwise have been rejected, depriving potential recipients of organ transplantation. Two patients received concurrent 2-coronary-artery bypass, and the other 9 patients received concurrent single-coronary-artery bypass during orthotopic heart transplantation. All patients had an uneventful postoperative course, with follow-up completed 3 to 128 months after cardiac transplantation and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experiences suggest that donor hearts requiring coronary artery bypass grafting, which form a small but significant donor subgroup, can be used effectively and safely when matched to the recipients' age and medical condition.

Predictors of bloodstream infection associated with permanently implantable venous port in solid cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to characterize the risk factors of bloodstream infection (BSI) associated with the use of permanent implantable venous ports (Port-A) in solid cancer patients.

METHODS

Solid cancer patients implanted with a Port-A were prospectively observed for the occurrence of Port-A-associated BSI (PABSI), defined as BSI without other identifiable infection foci. A PABSI risk score was developed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 415 patients were registered; 88 PABSI episodes occurred in 58 patients (incidence1.05 per 1000 catheter-days). All but one patient had stage IV cancer. Independent predictors of PABSI occurrence included neutropenia, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), chronic steroid use, invasive procedures, postoperative antibiotics, and preoperative antibiotics. A PABSI risk score with a cut-off value of 0 (sensitivity 88.5%, specificity 64.3%) was defined for stage IV cancer patients as follows: neutropenia, +1.350; TPN, +1.256; chronic steroid use, +1.947; preoperative antibiotics, -0.970; postoperative antibiotics, +0.959; and invasive procedures, +1.098. The median PABSI-free survival was 4.47 months for patients with scores ≥ 0 but not reached for patients with scores <0 (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The PABSI risk score can assist in identifying high-risk solid cancer patients and may assist in designing future preventive strategies.

Apoptosis and Kinematics of Ejaculated Spermatozoa in Patients With Varicocele

Increased DNA fragmentation is found in sperm from infertile men. Varicocele is an important cause of male infertility, even though it is present in 15% of men who father children. Semen analysis does not always identify infertility in these patients. Sperm motility is strongly correlated with male fertility potential. The goal of this study was to determine the correlation between apoptosis and kinematics in the ejaculated spermatozoa of patients affected by varicocele. Fresh semen samples were obtained from 30 patients with varicocele and 15 fertile controls. These samples were compared using computer-assisted semen analysis and were assayed to determine the degree of sperm apoptosis. The apoptotic index (AI) was calculated by dividing the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) stained spermatozoa by the total number of Hoechst 33258-stained sperm cells for 300 sperm. Five microscopic fields were analyzed to obtain 5 AIs for each individual. Results demonstrated no significant difference in semen quality and sperm motion characteristics; however, a significantly higher AI (23.05% +/- 4.07%: mean difference +/- SE, 95% CI, 15.06%-31.03%, P <.0001) was identified in the varicocele group than in the fertile controls. We concluded that sperm apoptosis does not seem to correlate with semen quality and sperm kinematics and that apoptosis is increased in ejaculated spermatozoa in patients with varicocele compared to normal fertile men.

Risk Factors of Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients without Chest Pain

Introduction

To identify factors associated with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who had no chest pain, and to improve recognition of STEMI patients without presentation of chest pain in the emergency department (ED).

Method

Clinical characteristics and presentations were recorded in patients diagnosed with STEMI in the ED in a retrospective study of patients treated from 2006 to 2009. Patients with and without chest pain were compared according to clinical features.

Results

Among 260 STEMI patients, 12.7% of patients had no chest pain presentation in the ED. Syncope, epigastric pain, and dyspnea accounted for more than 60% of symptoms in STEMI patients without chest pain. Diabetes mellitus (DM), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and old age were risk factors for STEMI patients without chest pain.

Conclusions

DM, CVA, and elderly patients are more likely to be without chest pain when STEMI occurred.

Rapid range shifts of species associated with high levels of climate warming

The distributions of many terrestrial organisms are currently shifting in latitude or elevation in response to changing climate. Using a meta-analysis, we estimated that the distributions of species have recently shifted to higher elevations at a median rate of 11.0 meters per decade, and to higher latitudes at a median rate of 16.9 kilometers per decade. These rates are approximately two and three times faster than previously reported. The distances moved by species are greatest in studies showing the highest levels of warming, with average latitudinal shifts being generally sufficient to track temperature changes. However, individual species vary greatly in their rates of change, suggesting that the range shift of each species depends on multiple internal species traits and external drivers of change. Rapid average shifts derive from a wide diversity of responses by individual species.

Lack of efficacy to systemic chemotherapy for treatment of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast in the modern era

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MCB) is a rare subtype of breast cancer. Anecdotal reports are available regarding its response to systemic chemotherapy. We reviewed the records of patients diagnosed with MCB at National Taiwan University Hospital between 1988 and 2009. A total of 46 MCB cases were identified from 8,695 breast tumor patients who underwent biopsy or resection. About 11 of 25 patients with initial bulky disease (T3-4) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery, and 2 (18.2%) exhibited a partial response. About 12 of 18 patients who developed distant metastasis received palliative systemic chemotherapy. Of them, only 1 (8.3%), 1 (10%), and none (0%) responded to first-, second-, or third- and beyond line chemotherapy, respectively. None of the patients who received anthracyline- (n = 13), vinorelbine- (n = 7), or cyclophosphamide-based (n = 18) chemotherapy responded, whereas 3 (17.6%) of 17 patients who received taxane-based chemotherapy exhibited a partial response. Tumor response to systemic chemotherapy remains generally poor for MCB patients. Taxanes may have modest activity, but need to be validated in further studies.

Boy born after gender preselection following successive gestational androgen excess of maternal luteoma and female disorders of sex development

OBJECTIVE

To present male gender preselection after successive gestational hyperandrogenism and female pseudohermaphroditism by pregnancy luteomas.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

University-based teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

We describe herein a gravida who presented two successive 46, XX disorders of sex development with apparent female genitalia with an enlarged clitoris due to maternal androgen excess from pregnancy luteoma. The maternal hyperandrogenemia returned to a normal level and bilateral luteoma regressed spontaneously postpartum. After gender preselection by Y-bearing spermatozoa for intrauterine insemination at the third gestation, a healthy boy was born in spite of the exaggerated maternal androgen production of pregnancy luteoma to avoid 46, XX disorders of sex development.

INTERVENTION(S)

Y-bearing spermatozoa for intrauterine insemination as male gender preselection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Boy born after gender preselection for intrauterine insemination and cesarean section.

RESULT(S)

Healthy boy born without disorder of sex development after antenatal maternal androgen excess of ovarian luteoma.

CONCLUSION(S)

Successive pregnancy luteomas associated with maternal hyperandrogenism may cause female disorders of sex development. Male preselection ameliorates the insult of external genitalia ambiguity by antenatal androgen excess in this matter of concern.

Cloning and characterization of monacolin K biosynthetic gene cluster from Monascus pilosus

Monacolin K is a secondary metabolite synthesized by polyketide synthases (PKS) from Monascus, and it has the same structure as lovastatin, which is mainly produced by Aspergillus terreus. In the present study, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone, mps01, was screened from the BAC library constructed from Monascus pilosus BCRC38072 genomic DNA. The putative monacolin K biosynthetic gene cluster was found within a 42 kb region in the mps01 clone. The deduced amino acid sequences encoded by the nine genes designated as mokA- mokI, which share over 54% similarity with the lovastatin biosynthetic gene cluster in A. terreus, were assumed to be involved in monacolin K biosynthesis. A gene disruption construct designed to replace the central part of mokA, a polyketide synthase gene, in wild-type M. pilosus BCRC38072 with a hygromycin B resistance gene through homologous recombination, resulted in a mokA-disrupted strain. The disruptant did not produce monacolin K, indicating that mokA encoded the PKS responsible for monacolin K biosynthesis in M. pilosus BCRC38072.

Changes to the meiotic spindle and zona pellucida of mature mouse oocytes following different cryopreservation methods

This study is to investigate the change of morphology of the meiotic spindle and the extent of zona hardening relating to the morphological survival and developmental competence of thawed oocytes. Four- to 8-week-old female mice (C57BL/6) primed with an intraperitoneal injection of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin. Cryopreserved oocytes using two protocols: vitrificaton using ethylene glycol (EG) and slow freezing using propanediol (PROH). The freezing oocytes were thawed and were fertilized and subsequently cultured in vitro. Spindle/chromosome imagery, dissolution of zona pellucida, and post-thawing survival and development were comparable between two groups. The vitrification cryopreservation method proved to be better than the slow-freezing protocol when comparing the frequency of normal-shaped spindle development post-thawing. The difference in the time required for the dissolution of the zona pellucida under treatment of pronase that was determined to exist between the two cryopreservation methods was statistically significant (P<0.005). The survival rate of post-thawed mature oocytes was significantly greater for the vitrification group than it was for the slow-freezing cryopreservation group (P=0.005). The vitrification cryopreservation of mature murine oocytes would appear to be more satisfactory than the slow controlled-rate freezing method as regards the post-thawing oocyte survival and also the incidence of the normal spindle apparatus in the ooplasm.

Apoptosis-related phenotype of ejaculated spermatozoa in patients with varicocele

OBJECTIVE

To determine the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, mitochondria, and DNA, which are essential for accurate transmission of genetic material to offspring, and to quantify possible apoptosis and investigate any relationship between these parameters in ejaculated sperm from men with or without varicoceles.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty-five patients with varicocele and 10 normal, fertile controls.

INTERVENTION(S)

Apoptosis-related phenotype activations including the plasma membrane translocation of phosphatidylserine, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear DNA damage, were assessed by using the annexin-V/propidium iodide double staining assay, 3,3'-dihexloxacarbocyanine iodide staining assay, and single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Apoptosis-related phenotype.

RESULT(S)

Patients with varicocele had statistically significantly more annexin V live sperm cells and nuclear DNA fragmentation than did the control men. In contrast, their numbers of 3,3'-dihexloxacarbocyanine iodide live cells were statistically significantly less than those in control men.

CONCLUSION(S)

The increased externalization of phosphatidylserine, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear DNA damage occurred in the sperm of men with varicoceles, suggesting that certain apoptotic mechanisms may relate to the condition of varicocele, originating in the mitochondria of spermatocytes and then functioning within the nucleus of the cell.

Genetic association of blaSHV-5 with transposable elements IS26 and IS5 in Klebsiella pneumoniae from Taiwan

A cloned 5,248-bp EcoRI fragment from the Klebsiella pneumoniae transferable plasmid pKP53 (> 70 kb) containing bla(SHV-5) was sequenced. Insertion sequences IS26 and IS5 were found downstream from bla(SHV-5). The DNA sequences of the genetic environment surrounding bla(SHV-5) were homologous to plasmid p1658/97 from Escherichia coli, containing a truncated recF gene and a truncated deoR gene upstream and downstream from bla(SHV-5), respectively. RecF may be involved in bla(SHV-5) translocation to the plasmid by RecF-dependent recombination. This novel genetic environment may be associated with the successful proliferation and/or expression of SHV-5 in K. pneumoniae strains from Taiwan.

Electrochemical Modification of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Arrays

Electrochemical oxidation and reduction were utilized to modify vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays grown on a porous network of conductive carbon microfibers. Ultrafast and complete CNT opening and purification were achieved through electrochemical oxidation. Highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles were then uniformly and densely deposited as electrocatalysts onto the surface of these CNTs through electrochemical reduction. Using supercritical drying techniques, we demonstrate that the unidirectionally aligned and laterally spaced geometry of the CNT arrays can be fully retained after being subjected to each step of electrochemical modification. The open-tipped CNTs can also be electrochemically detached in full lengths from the supporting substrates and harvested if needed.

α-Synuclein promoter RsaI T-to-C polymorphism and the risk of Parkinson’s disease

Increased alpha-synuclein expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated the association of Rep1 microsatellite and RsaI T-to-C substitution in the alpha-synuclein promoter region with the risk of PD by a case-control study. The RsaI C/C genotype and C allele were found less frequently in PD patients than in controls. A reduced risk of the Rep1-RsaI 0-C haplotype (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.36-0.90) with PD was evident. The quantitative real-time PCR study showed that the alpha-synuclein mRNA expression was increased (although not significantly) in PD patients with RsaI T/T genotype or Rep1-RsaI 0-T haplotype as compared to T/C genotype or 0-C haplotype. Reporter constructs containing the RsaI C allele drove significantly lower transcriptional activity compared with the RsaI T allele in both IMR32 and 293 cells. The findings suggest that the RsaI T-to-C substitution may have a functional relevance to the susceptibility to PD.

Continuous abdominal paracentesis for management of late type severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is often observed in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). In severe form OHSS is a serious and potentially life-threatening. Here we report a 36-year-old woman with primary infertility due to endometriosis who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Ten days later, severe late-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, severe ascites and pulmonary effusion, developed. Continuous abdominal paracentesis of 5000 mL/day was performed on the third day. With this procedure, ascitic fluid was drained efficiently and the patient's condition improved. This report suggests that early continuous abdominal paracentesis with drainage of ascitic fluid is an efficacious procedure for management of the severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome as soon as euvolemia is achieved clinically.

Non-adiabatic intramolecular and photodissociation dynamics studied by femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron and coincidence imaging spectroscopy

Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (TRPES) is emerging as a useful tool for the study of non-adiabatic dynamics in isolated polyatomic molecules and clusters due to its sensitivity to both electronic and vibrational dynamics. A powerful extension of TRPES, coincidence imaging spectroscopy (CIS), based upon femtosecond time-resolved 3D momentum vector imaging of both photoions and photoelectrons in coincidence, is a new technique for the study of complex dissociative processes. Here we show how these spectroscopies can be used to study both non-adiabatic intramolecular and photodissociation dynamics in polyatomic molecules. Intramolecular dynamics in the alpha, beta-enones acrolein, crotonaldehyde and methyl vinyl ketone are studied using both TRPES and laser-induced fluorescence of HCO(X) product yields. The location of the methyl group is seen to have very dramatic effects on the relative electronic relaxation rates and the HCO(X) yield. Applying both TRPES and CIS to the 200 nm and 209 nm photodissociation of the nitric oxide dimer, (NO)2, we observe the fs time-scale evolution of the excited parent neutral via its photoelectron spectrum and the emergence of the NO(A) photofragment including its energy and angular distributions.

Self-sensitized photooxygenation of 3,4-dialkoxyfurans to vitamin C or its derivatives

Self-sensitized photooxygenation of 3,4-dialkoxyfurans 3a-d with molecular oxygen and UV- or sunlight at room temperature gave vitamin C derivatives 2a-d in good to excellent yields. Furan 3c, having photodegradable protecting groups, was also photooxygenated to give L-ascorbic acid (1) in a "one-pot" reaction. Furthermore, a novel photolytic transformation was developed for deuteration of furan 3b at the C-2 position with D(2)O to give furan 3d in 95% yield. Toxicity of furans 3a-c and butenolides 2a-c against human embryonic cell, murine embryo fibroblasts, normal fibroblasts, HeLa, and Vero cell lines in the presence of oxygen and indirect solar light was found to be much less than those of the antipsoriasis drugs anthralin and 8-methoxypsoralen.

Expression and characterization of monocot rice cytosolic CuZnSOD protein in dicot Arabidopsis

Cytosolic CuZnSOD removes deleterious superoxides from plant cells. In order to understand its function better, we sought to express a monocot CuZnSOD gene in transgenic Arabidopsis. We constructed a transgene using the CaMV 35S promoter to express a rice cytosolic CuZnSOD gene in Arabidopsis and generated over 200 transformants. A 16 kD polypeptide, the same size as the native rice CuZnSOD polypeptide, was detected in the transgenic Arabidopsis. Interestingly, two forms of rice CuZnSOD, rSODI and rSODII, having the same dimeric size, were detected in the transgenic plants. rSODII protein was relatively abundant but had low specific activity. In contrast, rSODI protein was relatively rare and had high specific activity. Inter-conversion of rSODI and rSODII could be achieved by the addition and removal of copper ions into the purified recombinant SOD and to the leaf extract of transgenic plants. Our analysis indicates that rSODI most likely corresponds to native rice CuZnSOD that has incorporated the Cu and Zn ions required for full activity, whereas the less active rSODII form may not have properly incorporated the necessary copper ions.

High-Resolution Spectroscopy of Jet-Cooled (32)SO(2) and (34)SO(2): The ã(3)B(1)-;X(1)A(1), 2(1)(0) and 1(1)(0) Bands

Laser-induced excitation spectra of the two bands ã(3)B(1)-;X(1)A(1), 2(1)(0) and 1(1)(0) of (32)SO(2) and (34)SO(2) have been recorded in a supersonic jet at a resolution of 0.015 cm(-1). The rotational and electron-spin fine structure has been analyzed for both isotopic species. Analysis of the rotational and electron-spin fine structure yields precise values of the rotational constants A, B, and C and the spin constants alpha and beta for both (32)SO(2) and (34)SO(2) in the states ã(3)B(1) (010) and (100). No interaction between these two vibrational states with any nearby triplet state is observed for rotational levels with J </= 8 and K </= 2. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Single pedicle vascularized double joint transfer: anatomic study of two models

This study examined the anatomic structures that communicate between the tibial and fibular digital arteries of the second toe at the distal phalanx to identify a channel for retrograde blood flow from the dominant pedicle to the distal joint flap. We also assessed the feasibility of two models designed to mobilize toe joints to perform single pedicle vascularized double-joint transfer. The continuity of the vascular pathway in both models was demonstrated by microfil injection and angiographic study. The average mobile distance between the PIP joint and the MTP joint was 5.6 +/- 0.6 cm in model I and 5.1 +/- 0.4 cm in model II. The dissection and mobilizing procedures of the neurovascular pedicle are more complicated and extensive in model II than in model I, and the risk of jeopardizing vascularity of the distal joint flap is higher. Both models may be suitable to replace two adjacent metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints in the hand or two nonadjacent MCP joints (excluding the thumb) separated by no more than one normal metacarpal.

Unexpected recurrent seizures following repeated spinal injections of tetracaine--a case report

A 36-year-old male patient was scheduled to undergo ureteroscopic lithotomy because of left ureteral stone under spinal anesthesia. After receiving a renewed spinal anesthesia with 8 mg tetracaine to compensate for the first attempt (with 10 mg tetracaine), which proved to be a failure, he was soon seized with episodic seizure attacks. Central nervous system toxicity of the local anesthetic might be the cause of the seizure. We brought forward this case for discussion for warning that the possibility of systemic toxicity of local anesthetic might exist despite a seemingly undisputable spinal anesthesia.

Balance evaluation in hemiplegic stroke patients

BACKGROUND

Decreased equilibrium in standing and walking is a common problem associated with hemiplegic stroke patients. Stroke patients with balance problems are prone to falls. In addition to spatial recognition, the appropriate pattern of muscle activity to preserve balance depends on sensory and motor processes. Previous reports have mentioned that the right posterior parietal cortex seems to be predominantly involved in spatial integration. We therefore wanted to conduct a study to quantify and compare the balance control between right hemispheric stroke and left hemispheric stroke patients.

METHODS

Thirty hemiplegic stroke patients (14 right, 16 left) and 15 age-matched healthy subjects were included in this study. The objective measurement of the basic components of balance control was performed using the SMART Balance Master. The motor status of the hemiplegic limbs was evaluated by Brunnstrom staging. The functional outcome of the stroke patients was evaluated by the functional independence measure (FIM).

RESULTS

The balance function of stroke patients was significantly worse as compared to that of the healthy subjects especially in dynamic stability. However, different from the other reports, our right hemispheric stroke patients had better balance function than our left hemispheric patients. The locomotion and mobility scores of the FIM were also better in the right hemispheric stroke patients.

CONCLUSION

This result suggested that the motor function of the healthy limbs of stroke patients may play an important role in their balance function. The results of this study may provide a guide for prescribing a more efficient rehabilitation program for stroke patients.

Multiple Entrapment Neuropathy in the Upper Extremity

Multiple entrapment neuropathy is compression of more than two nerves in the same extremity. In this case series, 169 patients (208 upper extremities) with this condition were identified, and 124 patients (138 upper extremities) had surgical decompression after an ineffective course of conservative treatment. There were 31 men and 93 women. Average age was 41 years (range 20-87 years). Follow-up averaged 23 months (range 12 to 60 months). Our rating system included patients' self-assessment of overall symptom improvement and return to activity and a physician assessment of strength (grip and pinch) and sensibility (recovery of two-point discrimination). A total of 92 patients (67%) achieved good to excellent results. The clinical features of multiple entrapment neuropathy in our series were presented with a variety of nerve compression syndromes and with a high incidence of regional musculotendinous syndromes. In our surgical treatment, we emphasise simultaneous release of all possible compression sites with a minimally invasive endoscopic approach to achieve better results.

Cubital tunnel release with endoscopic assistance: results of a new technique

We evaluated the results of cubital tunnel release with endoscopic assistance. The study included 76 patients (85 elbows); 47 women and 29 men. Nine patients had bilateral procedures. Patients were excluded if they had less than 1 year of follow-up, associated pathology at the elbow to account for the nerve compression, or recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome. Before surgery, cases were categorized by stage of cubital tunnel syndrome according to Dellon's classification: 33 (39%) elbows were classified as mild, 35 (41%) moderate, and 17 (20%) severe. Surgical results were assessed according to a modified Bishop rating system. The mean follow-up period was 32 months (range, 12-52 months). Results were excellent in 42% of the elbows, good in 45%, fair in 11%, and poor in 2%. Recurrence occurred in 3 elbows. There were no serious complications. The results of this study support our recommendation of cubital tunnel release with endoscopic assistance as a safe and reliable technique for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, especially in patients with mild to moderate symptoms.

Treatment of axillary bromhidrosis with superficial liposuction

Axillary bromhidrosis or osmidrosis is a distressing problem that causes a serious personal and social handicap, especially in an Asian society. Surgical excision of the subcutaneous tissue, with or without skin excision in the axillary hair-bearing area, has been the treatment of choice for several decades. However, the complications of partial necrosis of wound edges or hematoma, and the possibility of the obvious unsightly scars, are always problems. We report our method of treatment of modified superficial liposuction with subdermal scraping under local anesthesia with tumescent infiltration. By using two tiny stab wounds, these two steps of liposuction can be done in the two-directional crisscross pattern. From August of 1995 to May of 1997, 20 patients (16 women and 4 men) received this surgery for bilateral axillas on an outpatient basis. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 27 months, and the mean follow-up period was 14 months. Eighteen patients (90 percent) had excellent to good results. Complication included only one minor wound infection that was cured easily. Two patients experienced transient subdermal fibrotic bands in one side of the axilla, and one patient experienced axillary skin with marked induration and retraction. All of these symptoms disappeared after 1 month or so. This minimal incision operation has the advantages of a high success rate, low complication rate, tiny to invisible scars, no change of hair distribution pattern, minimal postoperative care with a short term of compressive dressing (less than 2 days), and rapid recovery for daily activity and exercise.

The influence of intra-graft heparin injection on the survival of composite grafts

BACKGROUND

Intra-replant subcutaneous heparin injection has been reported to be an alternative to venous anastomoses in finger replantations. It has also been recommended for composite graft type replants. In this study, we investigated three different regimens of intra-graft heparin injection in a rabbit ear model. Our aim was to determine whether or not continuous oozing from an incision wound on a composite graft made by an intra-graft heparin injection would increase the survival of a larger composite graft.

METHODS

A 25-mm-diameter circular composite graft (including dorsal skin and auricular cartilage) was harvested from the mid-portion of a rabbit ear. This size of graft was selected as the study model due to a significantly lower percent graft survival when compared to smaller-sized grafts (17.0 +/- 5.6%, p < 0.05). Three different regimens of intra-graft heparin injection were performed in the study group and the results of percent graft survival were compared.

RESULTS

Intra-graft injection of heparin calcium 250 IU/0.1 ml qd for seven days resulted in a significantly higher percent graft survival than the other two regimens and a control group (64.0 +/- 9.7%, p < 0.05). The "flow-through" phenomenon was observed in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-graft heparin injection resulted in a higher percent graft survival than the control group for the 25-mm-diameter circular composite graft. However, the mechanism of graft survival enhancement could not be clearly explained by this study. It is recommended that the clinical application of intra-graft heparin injection should only be used when subgraft hematoma can be avoided and systemic bleeding tendency is being closely monitored.

Estrogenic activity of a dieldrin/toxaphene mixture in the mouse uterus, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and yeast-based estrogen receptor assays: no apparent synergism

The estrogenic activity of dieldrin, toxaphene, and an equimolar mixture of both compounds (dieldrin/toxaphene) was investigated in the 21-day-old B6C3F1 mouse uterus, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and in yeast-based reporter gene assays. Treatment of the animals with 17beta-estradiol (E2) (0.0053 kg/day x3) resulted in a 3.1-, 4.8-, and 7.8-fold increase in uterine wet weight, peroxidase activity, and progesterone receptor binding, respectively. In contrast, treatment with 2.5, 15 and 60 micromol/kg (x3) doses of toxaphene, dieldrin, or dieldrin/toxaphene (equimolar) did not significantly induce a dose-dependent increase in any of the E2-induced responses. The organochlorine pesticides alone and the binary mixture did not bind to the mouse uterine estrogen receptor (ER) in a competitive binding assay using [3H]E2 as the radioligand. In parallel studies, estrogenic activities were determined in MCF-7 cells by using a cell proliferation assay and by determining induction of chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) activity in MCF-7 cells transiently transfected with plasmids containing estrogen-responsive 5'-promoter regions from the rat creatine kinase B and human cathepsin D genes. E2 caused a 24-fold increase in CAT activity in MCF-7 cells transiently transfected with creatine kinase B and a 3.8-fold increase in cells transiently transfected with the human cathepsin D construct. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with dieldrin, toxaphene, or an equimolar mixture of dieldrin plus toxaphene (10(-8)-10(-5) M) did not significantly induce cell proliferation or CAT activity in the transient transfection experiment with both plasmids. The relative competitive binding of the organochlorine pesticides was determined by incubating MCF-7 cells with 10(-9) M [3H]E2 in the presence or absence of 2 x 10(-7) M unlabeled E2 (to determine nonspecific binding), toxaphene (10(-5) M), dieldrin (10(-5) M), and equimolar concentrations of the dieldrin plus toxaphene mixture (10(-5) M). The binding observed for [3H]E2 in the whole cell extracts was displaced by unlabeled E2, whereas the organochlorine pesticides and binary mixture exhibited minimal to nondetectable competitive binding activity. E2 caused a 5000-fold induction of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) activity in yeast transformed with the human ER and a double estrogen responsive element upstream of the beta-gal reporter gene. Treatment with 10(-6)-10(-4) M chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, or an equimolar mixture of dieldrin/toxaphene did not induce activity, whereas 10(-4) M endosulfan caused a 2000-fold increase in beta-gal activity. Diethylstilbestrol caused a 20-fold increase in activity in yeast transformed with the mouse ER and a single estrogen responsive element upstream of the beta-gal reporter gene. Dieldrin, chlordane, toxaphene, and endosulfan induced a 1.5- to 4-fold increase in activity at a concentration of 2.5 x 10(-5) M. Synergistic transactivation was not observed for any equimolar binary mixture of the pesticides at concentrations of either 2.5 x 10(-5) M or 2.5 x 10(-4) M. The results of this study demonstrate that for several estrogen-responsive assays in the mouse uterus, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and yeast-based reporter gene assays, the activities of both dieldrin and toxaphene were minimal, and no synergistic interactions were observed with a binary mixture of the two compounds.

The Fluorescence Excitation Spectrum of HCO &Btilde;2A'-&Xtilde;2A', 000 Band

The rotationally resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of the HCO &Btilde;2A'-&Xtilde;2A' transition in the 000 band is observed under thermalized conditions. The formyl radical is produced from acetaldehyde photolyzed at wavelengths 310 or 308 nm. Some spin-splittings of the spectra are resolved. About 988 transitions to Ka' </= 3 and N' </= 24, approximately 94% of the observed lines, are assigned in this work including weak DeltaKa = &plusmn;2 transitions that become allowed because of the effects of axis-switching. Copyright 1997Academic Press

Torsade de pointes due to consumption of Sauropus androgynus as a weight-reducing vegetable

Sauropus Androgynus, known as cekur manis or sweet shoot, is a popular vegetable in Southeast Asia and is used as a weight-reducing vegetable in Taiwan. Three women who developed torsade de pointes after consuming large amounts of sauropus androgynus are described in this report.