Influence of sediment characteristics on density and distribution of Ocypodoid crab burrows (superfamily: Ocypodoidea) along the coastal areas of Pakistan

Crabs belong to the superfamily Ocypodoidea are a significant component of benthic fauna and considered as ecosystem engineers because of their dynamic role as an active burrower in mangrove and estuarine environment. The current investigation was to evaluate the crab burrow density, diameter and total area of burrow opening along the coast of Pakistan. The variations in burrow properties and their relation to sediment characteristics were also evaluated to recognize the most influencing variables of sediments that effects on crab burrows. All crab burrow and sediment characteristics differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the monitoring sites. Regression analysis showed that crab density was significantly correlated with burrow density (P < 0.001). Moreover, burrow density was noticed significantly greater (p < 0.05) than crab density. Pearson correlation analysis reveals that moisture, porosity, organics, sand and mean grain size observed as most influencing the features of sediment to determine the ecological functioning of crab burrows in mangrove and mudflats of Pakistan.     

Aluminum chloride impacts dentate gyrus structure in male adult albino Wistar rats

To get better insights into the aluminum neurotoxicity, rats were treated with AlCl₃ for increasing doses and periods. Body and brain weights, plasma and brain AlCl₃ levels were assayed. Light microscopy observation of brain was performed. AlCl₃ exposure showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) on body and brain weight with the highest dose at 18 months. Statistical analysis confirms no significant interaction during 6 months (ρ = 0.357; p > 0.05) while, significant correlation was observed during 12 (ρ = 0.836; p < 0.001) and 18 months (ρ = 0.769; p < 0.001) between body and brain weight. Plasma and brain AlCl₃ concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05) with dose and period dependent manner. Statistical analysis confirms significant interaction between brain concentrations of AlCl₃ and administrated doses during 6 (ρ = 0.969; p < 0.001), 12 (ρ = 0.971; p < 0.001) and 18 months (ρ = 0.965; p < 0.001). Similar relation was established between plasma AlCl₃ concentration and administrated doses during 6 (ρ = 0.970; p < 0.001), 12 (ρ = 0.971; p < 0.001) and 18 months (ρ = 0.964; p < 0.001). Significant relation was confirmed between plasma and brain AlCl₃ concentration during 6 (ρ = 0.926; p < 0.001), 12 (ρ = 0.983; p < 0.001) and 18 months (ρ = 0.906; p < 0.001). Morphological alterations mainly targeted the subgranular layer with modulation of the dentate gyrus appearance. This study highlights the toxic effect of AlCl₃ on the brain which may affects learning and memory and seems to be different according to dose and duration of exposure.     

Nutrient concentrations in tidal creeks as indicators of the water quality role of mangrove wetlands in Southwest Florida

Coastal mangroves have the potential to improve the water quality of urban and rural runoff before it is discharged into adjacent coastal bays and oceans; but they also can be impaired by excessive pollutants from upstream. Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), salinity, and other water quality parameters were measured in five mangrove tidal creeks in different hydrogeomorphic and urbanization settings during high and low tides over a calendar year of wet (June and August 2015) and dry (February and April 2016) seasons in the Greater Naples Bay area in Southwest Florida, USA. Nutrient concentrations (ave. ± std error) in the tidal creeks were 0.055 ± 0.008 mg-P/L for total phosphorus (TP) and 0.610 ± 0.020 mg-N/L for total nitrogen (TN), with an average N:P ratio of 11.4:1. Average wet season TP (0.075 ± 0.010 mg-P/L) was significantly higher than the dry season TP (0.033 ± 0.003 mg-P/L; p < 0.01, f = 15.17, f_crit = 3.89) and the average wet season TN (0.75 ± 0.03 mg-N/L) was significantly higher than dry season TN (0.52 ± 0.02 mg/L; p < 0.01, f = 64.14, f_crit = 3.89), suggesting that urban stormwater runoff is directly or indirectly affecting the nutrient conditions in these mangroves. Significant differences in nutrient concentrations between low tide and high tide were not found for either TP (p = 0.43, f = .63, f_crit = 3.88) or TN (p = 0.20, f = 1.66, f_crit = 3.89). These differences were confirmed by a PCA and cluster analyses, which found differences to be seasonal. We could not conclude from these results whether these five mangrove wetlands were sources nor sinks of nutrients based simply on the measurement of nutrient concentrations. But we illustrated that nutrient concentrations were indicators of the mangroves’ hydrogeomorphic settings, their tidal fluxes from Naples Bay, and the Bay's upstream watersheds, and less by direct urban runoff.     

Soil bacterial community structure and physicochemical properties in mitigation wetlands created in the Piedmont region of Virginia (USA)

Wetland creation is a common practice for compensatory mitigation in the United States. Vegetation attributes have been used as a quick measure of mitigation success in most post-creation monitoring, while little attention has been paid to soils that provide the substrate for flora and fauna to establish and develop. Created wetland soils are often found not indicative of ‘hydric soil’ with a lack of development of physicochemical properties (i.e., bulk density, moisture content, and carbon and nitrogen contents) comparable to those in natural wetlands. Moreover, soil bacterial communities are rarely examined though they are integrally involved in biogeochemical functions that are critical for ecosystem development in created wetlands. We analyzed soil physicochemistry and profiled soil bacterial community structure using amplicon length heterogeneity polymerase chain reaction (LH-PCR) of 16S ribosomal DNA in three relatively young wetlands (<10 years old) created in the Piedmont region of Virginia. We examined the data by site and by specific conditions of each site (i.e., induced microtopography and hydrologic regime). Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) showed clear clustering and significant differences both in soil physicochemistry (Global R = 0.70, p = 0.001) and in soil bacterial community profiles (Global R = 0. 77, p = 0.001) between sites. Soil physicochemistry (Global R = 1, p = 0.005) and bacterial community structure (Global R = 0.79, p = 0.005) of soils significantly differed by hydrologic regime within a wetland, but not by microtopography treatment. A significant association was found between physicochemistry and bacterial community structure in wetland soils, revealing a close link between two attributes (ρ = 0.39, p = 0.002). C/N (carbon to nitrogen) ratio was the best predictor of soil bacterial community patterns (ρ = 0.56, p = 0.001). The diversity of soil bacterial community (Shannon's H′) differed between sites with a slightly higher diversity observed in a relatively older created wetland, and seemed also fairly determined by hydrologic regime of a site, with a relatively dry site being more diverse.     

Ecological gradients and environmental impact in the forest dwelling Haplothrips subtilissimus (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) phenotypic variability

Classification of phenotypic variability in forest dwelling arthropods, especially in applied bioindication, remains difficult due to the complex and synergic ecological interactions. Ecologically, it corresponds with the concept of alternative ontogenies in order to maintain high population fitness. The research on the geobiont Haplothrips subtilissimus (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) morphometric plasticity alongside selected ecological gradients (temperature, humidity, food availability) and the environmental impact in the xerothermous hilly oak wood (Martinský les, SW Slovakia), have revealed that (MAN(C)OVA and Kruskal–Wallis test) the head width (p < 0.001) and anterior pronotum width (p ≤ 0.002) as the only statistically significant variables. The Kruskal–Wallis test (non parametric ANOVA) revealed significant variation (more noticeable in males) in ecologically more diverse ecotone stands. A significant correlation (p < 0.001) could be shown between the morphometric parameter pairs “head width” and “anterior pronotum width” for both sexes (0.729 for females and 0.822 for males) and between anterior and posterior pronotum width only for males (0.859). Pillai's statistics revealed an interaction of soil humidity and soil temperature which confirms female body parameters depend on habitat conditions (p = 0.011). Females responded mainly to soil temperature (p = 0.018) and food availability (p = 0.030). Soil humidity interacts with the male's morphology (soil humidity p = 0.040), while the relationship to food availability (Acarina) was not statistically significant (p = 0.350). No body parameter has been significantly affected by environmental stress.     

Association of serum amyloid A levels with adipocyte size and serum levels of adipokines: Differences between men and women

The aim of this study was to characterize the association between adipocyte enlargement and circulating levels of serum amyloid A (SAA). Furthermore, we wanted to search for possible associations with measures of glycemic control and levels of circulating adipokines and/or inflammatory markers in men and women with a large range in body mass index. The study cohort consisted of 167 subjects, 114 non-diabetic and 53 with Type 2 diabetes. Adipocyte diameter as well as circulating levels of SAA, C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, leptin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, glucose and insulin were measured. Women had higher serum levels of SAA than men (p = 0.044). SAA levels were weakly but positively correlated with BMI (p = 0.043) and % body fat (p = 0.027) in all subjects as well as subcutaneous adipocyte diameter (p = 0.034) in women. Furthermore, in all subjects we found correlations between SAA levels and levels of CRP (p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (p < 0.001), leptin (p = 0.003), insulin (p = 0.006), HbA1c (p = 0.02) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.002). A majority of the correlations were strongest in women. In conclusion, serum levels of SAA are strongly correlated with serum levels of inflammatory markers as well as measures of glycemic control. There seems to be large sex differences in these associations suggesting that sex-specific factors need to be considered when analyzing SAA levels in relation to metabolic disease.     

Differing patterns of peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length in rheumatologic diseases

Telomeres progressively shorten with repeated somatic tissue cell division, their length being an indicator of cellular ageing. Telomeric dysfunction may be implicated in a variety of diseases. We measured mean telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) from patients with various rheumatologic diseases. Mean PBL telomere length was measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) assay in a control population (n = 130; age range: 3–94 years) and in subjects diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 86; age range: 31–82 years), psoriatic arthritis (PA; n = 56; age range: 26–79 years) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS; n = 59; age range: 21–75 years). These diseases are associated with chronic systemic inflammatory activity. Telomere length was also quantified in subjects with osteoarthritis (OA; n = 34; age range: 43–82 years) and osteoporosis (OP; n = 35; age range: 59–95 years), diseases without a chronic systemic inflammatory component. Telomere length in OA showed no differences from age-matched controls (p = 0.234), but was significantly shorter in OP (p = 0.001). Telomere length was significantly longer than controls in RA (p = 0.015), PA (p < 0.001) and AS (p < 0.001). Different patterns in telomere length from PBL are evidenced in rheumatologic pathologies, possibly dependent on the presence or absence of chronic systemic inflammation.     

Bromophenol accumulation and sediment contamination by the marine annelids Notomastus lobatus and Thelepus crispus

The occurrence of bromophenols in Notomastus lobatus and Thelepus crispus and associated sediment and porewater was determined. 4-Bromophenol, 2,4-dibromophenol, and 2,4,6-tribromophenol were identified in N. lobatus with the highest concentrations occurring in the anterior and posterior abdomen and substantially less in the thorax (345, 209, and 6.6 μg/ml of worm, respectively). The concentration of dibromobenzyl alcohol was highest in the tail (last 15 setigers) of T. crispus (1.02 mg/ml of worm), but did not differ among body parts as the bromophenols did in N. lobatus. Concentrations in sediments were significantly reduced from those in the worms and decreased from the inner burrow lining out to 5 cm from N. lobatus burrows. Similarly for T. crispus, concentrations of dibromobenzyl alcohol in the surrounding sediments and porewater were low and increased with proximity to the burrow. For both species, concentrations in surface sediment (upper 1 cm) did not differ from those at 6 cm depth. Several lines of evidence indicate that these compounds are produced by the worms and hence their presence in sediments is derived from the worms. The contamination of sediment by these bromophenols has important implications for the structure and activities of benthic-associated communities.     

Alternative alert system for Ganga river eutrophication using alkaline phosphatase as a level determinant

Short-term variations in phosphorus (P) concentrations must be considered while assessing the long-term changes in trophic status and estimating the P load and export. Furthermore, given the challenges of conventional monitoring of river systems, a sediment-specific biomonitoring tool may be more successful inferring P related human controls. In this study, conducted along a 37 km river channel representing up-and downstream urban control, and through a trajectory from a major point source (Assi drain), we tested the patterns of concordance between alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and soluble reactive-P (SRP) and between AP activity and trophic status in the Ganga River. To validate data comparison, we selected a reference site at Dev Prayag, situated ∼1130 km upstream to the main study stretch. Samples were collected for three consecutive year (March 2013 to February 2016) with respect to atmospheric deposition, surface runoff, point source loading, river water and sediment analysis. For trajectory analysis, samples were collected from 15 locations starting from the drain outlet (zero distance) upto 1.5 km downstream with sampling location 100 m away from the preceding one. We found marked spatial and temporal variations in P concentrations which could be traced by quantifying the AP activity. The AP activity, recorded highest at reference site, declined with increases in P; and at drain mouth it was close to zero reflecting strong influence of P level on alkaline phosphatase activity in the river. We used canonical correlation analysis (CCorA) to test the degrees of concordance and similarity in different variables. Most of the environmental variables and indicators of eutrophy appear largely clustered at one side of the coordinate separating AP activity and dissolved oxygen towards opposite side of the axis. The dynamic fit function relating AP activity with different variables showed significant positive correlation with DO (R² = 0.67; p < 0.001) and negative correlations with BOD (R² = 0.82; p < 0.001), Chl a biomass (R² = 0.52; p < 0.001) and trophic status index (R² = 0.54 (Chl a), 0.96 (DRP); p < 0.001). Furthermore, the enzyme activity did not show significant negative correlation with heavy metals in sediment. Because anthropogenic activities continue to enhance P loads; AP is inhibited directly by P availability; and eutrophy feedbacks sediment P release, our observations on P-AP activity relationship provide a valuable alternative means for detecting P related controls on water quality, trophic status and biogeochemical feedbacks in human impacted rivers.     

Proinflammatory,anti-inflammatory cytokines and adiponkines in students with central obesity

Several studies have investigated the correlation between central obesity and inflammatory cytokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine adiponectin. But, the correlation between central obesity and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5 has not been studied yet. Thus, we aimed to study the IL-4 and IL-5 correlation to central obesity in adolescent Egyptian girls among proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The study was carried out on 86 obese adolescent girls (BMI > 95 percentile) divided into two groups according to central obesity. The group I with waist to hip ratio <0.8 as a control and group II with waist to hip ratio >0.8 (central obesity). There was a significant increase in TNF-alpha (p < 0.0001), and IL-1β (p < 0.0001), as proinflammatory cytokines in group II, as compared to their corresponding group I. Group II showed a significant increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 than group I at (p < 0.0001) and (p < 0.0005) respectively. In addition there was a significant decrease in the anti-inflammatory adiponectin and an increase in the inflammatory leptin levels in group II at (p < 0.0001) and (p < 0.0001) respectively in comparison to group I. A high positive correlation has been observed between waist to hip ratio, leptin, TNF-α, IL-1-β, IL-4 and IL-5 at (r = 0.331, p < 0.03), (r = 0.559, p < 0.001), (r = 0.435, p < 0.004), (r = 0.509, p < 0.001), (r = 0.550, p < 0.0015), in group II respectively and a high negative one with adiponectin at (r = ?0.410, p < 0.0001). We concluded that central obesity lowers adiponectin plasma level through increasing proinflammatory adipokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, leptin. Further studies are needed to explore the positive correlation we found between central obesity and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 known to be associated with bronchial asthma.     

Acquired coenzyme Q10 deficiency in children with recurrent food intolerance and allergies

The current study evaluated 23 children (ages 2–16 years) with recurrent food intolerance and allergies for CoQ10 deficiency and mitochondrial abnormalities. Muscle biopsies were tested for CoQ10 levels, pathology, and mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) activities. Group 2 (age > 10 years; n = 9) subjects had significantly decreased muscle CoQ10 than Group 1 (age < 10 y; n = 14) subjects (p = 0.001) and 16 controls (p < 0.05). MRC activities were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Muscle CoQ10 levels in study subjects were significantly correlated with duration of illness (adjusted r² = 0.69; p = 0.012; n = 23). Children with recurrent food intolerance and allergies may acquire CoQ10 deficiency with disease progression.     

Muscle activation patterns of knee flexors and extensors during passive and active movement of the spastic lower limb in chronic stroke patients

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of spasticity, quantified as muscle activity during stretch, during passive and active movement. For this cross sectional study 19 stroke patients with spasticity in the lower limb were recruited. Reflex activity was studied with surface electromyography of knee flexor and extensor muscles during passive and active movement of the lower leg.On both the affected and unaffected side, root mean square values of the knee extensor muscles, while stretched, were higher during active than during passive movement (p < 0.05). For the vastus lateralis (VL) the correlation was moderate (ρ = 0.54, p = 0.022), for the rectus femoris (RF) high (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.001). For the semitendinosus (ST) the correlation was low (ρ = 0.27) and not significant.During active movement the correlation between VL activity and activity of the antagonist ST, as an indicator for co-contraction of the affected muscles, was marked (ρ = 0.73, p = 0.001). A moderate negative correlation was found between reflex activity of RF during passive stretch and the active range of motion (ρ = ?0.51, p = 0.027).The results show that a passive stretch test alone is insufficient either as assessment method for spasticity during active motor tasks or as a measure for motor control.     

Hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome in children with overweight and obesity

ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of hyperuricemia in children with overweight or obesity and analyze the relation with metabolic syndrome and the diseases that define it.Materials and methodsThis is a cross-sectional prevalence study in 148 children recruited from pediatric endocrinology consultation, with overweight or obesity (12 ± 3 years, 48% boys, BMI 31.8 ± 6.1). We measured BMI, waist-height, waist circumference, blood pressure with standard instrumentation and glucose (fasting and after overload with 75 g), insulin resistance, cholesterol HDL, triglycerides and uric acid.ResultsThe prevalence of hyperuricemia was 53%. Patients with hyperuricemia had greater BMI (33.9 vs 30.6, p = 0.003), plus waist circumference (101.4 vs 91.1 cm, p < 0.001), higher blood pressure: systolic (123.4 vs 111.9 mm Hg, p < 0.001), diastolic (78.2 vs 68.7 mm Hg, p < 0.001). They presented greater blood glucose after overload oral glucose (107.5 vs 100.7 mg/dl, p = 0.03), insulin was higher (29.2 vs 20.7 mg/dl, p = 0.001) as well as HOMA IR (6.5 vs 4.4, p < 0.001) and HDL levels were lower (49.5 vs 54.4 mg/dl, p = 0.02).Uric acid's level which most is the likely diagnosis of metabolic syndrome corresponds to 5.4 mg/dl in our sample (sensitivity: 64% and specificity 62%).ConclusionThe prevalence of hyperuricemia in children with overweight and obesity is high. In the group of patients with obesity and hyperuricemia, we found out that the parameters measured to diagnose with metabolic syndrome were less favorable. Uric acid's level from where there is a higher possibility to see metabolic syndrome is 5.4 mg/dl.     

The use of a mirror reduces isolation stress in horses being transported by trailer

Horse trailers are a common form of transportation for horses and ponies and often require the animal to travel alone or with a single companion. The current study investigated the effect of transporting horses alone, in company or with an acrylic safety mirror (measuring 81 cm × 61.5 cm) that provided surrogate companionship. The behavioural and physiological responses of 12 mature horses during a 30-min journey by trailer under the three treatments were compared. Behaviours (vocalisation, eating, head-tossing, pawing, and head-turning) were recorded. In order to assess circulatory changes that occur as part of the response to transport, heart rate (HR), rectal (T_r) and ear-pinna (T_p) temperatures were recorded. When travelling with a live companion significantly less time was spent vocalising (p < 0.001), head-turning (p < 0.001), head-tossing (p < 0.01) and pawing (p < 0.01); eating behaviour increased (p < 0.05). Physiological responses (increases in HR and T_r and decreases in T_p) were also significantly reduced when travelling with a live companion (p < 0.01). Travelling with the mirror did not significantly affect physiological responses compared with travelling alone, but the rise in T_r and fall in T_p was reduced (p = 0.052 and p = 0.051, respectively) and can be considered a trend. When travelling with a mirror significantly less time was spent turning the head (p < 0.01), vocalising (p < 0.05) and head-tossing (p < 0.05); eating behaviour increased (p < 0.05). The only significant difference between travelling with a live companion and a mirror was that the time spent turning the head round was less with a live companion (p < 0.05). The provision of surrogate companionship in the form of a mirror was found to be preferable to travel alone, but where possible a live companion is recommended. Isolation during transportation was found to suppress feeding behaviour. Although peripheral blood flow (T_p) has been used to assess transport stress in other species it has not previously been used in the horse. Further evaluation of this non-invasive measure is now required.     

The effect of adding zinc to vitamin A on IGF-1, bone age and linear growth in stunted children

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A with daily zinc supplementation was conducted with children in Mojo village, Surabaya City. Children aged 48 to 60 months were randomized to receive a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A plus zinc sulfate (n = 12) or a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A (n = 12) plus placebo six days a week for six months. Children were evaluated weekly for nutrient intake and for IGF-1, C-reactive protein levels, gamma globulin levels, serum zinc, serum retinol, bone age and the index height for age at six months.At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in the serum retinol level (p < 0.03), serum zinc level (p < 0.03), IGF-1 hormone (p < 0.04) and Z-score height for age (p < 0.001), bone age (p < 0.01), and gamma globulin level (p < 0.04) and a significant decrease in the amount of infection/inflammation measured by CRP level (p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between CRP level and height for age (p < 0.01), and between gamma level and height for age (p < 0.01).These results suggest that combined vitamin A and zinc supplementation reduces the risk of infection and increases linear growth among children, and thus may play a key role in controlling infection and stunted growth for children under five years old.     

Validity of the twitch interpolation technique for the assessment of quadriceps neuromuscular asymmetries

This study examined the validity of the twitch interpolation technique for evaluating side-to-side asymmetries in quadriceps neuromuscular function. Fifty-six subjects with a wide range of asymmetries (19 healthy, 24 with unilateral and 13 with bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction) took part in the study. Supramaximal electrical paired stimuli were delivered to the quadriceps muscle during and immediately after a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensors (twitch interpolation technique). MVC torque, voluntary activation and resting doublet-evoked torque were measured separately for the two sides, and percent side-to-side asymmetries were calculated for each parameter. MVC torque asymmetry was plotted against voluntary activation asymmetry and doublet-evoked torque asymmetry, and a multiple regression analysis was also conducted. Significant positive correlations were observed between MVC torque asymmetry and both voluntary activation asymmetry (r = 0.40; p = 0.002) and doublet-evoked torque asymmetry (r = 0.53; p < 0.001), and their relative contribution to MVC torque asymmetry was comparable (r = 0.64; p < 0.001). These results establish the validity of the twitch interpolation technique for the assessment of neuromuscular asymmetries. This methodology could provide useful insights into the contribution of some neural and muscular mechanisms that underlie quadriceps strength deficits.     

Developing an improved biomonitoring tool for fine sediment: Combining expert knowledge and empirical data

The Proportion of Sediment-sensitive Invertebrates (PSI) index is a biomonitoring tool that is designed to identify the degree of sedimentation in rivers and streams. Despite having a sound biological basis, the tool has been shown to have only a moderate correlation with fine sediment, which although comparable to other pressure specific indices, limits confidence in its application. The aim of this study was to investigate if the performance of the PSI index could be enhanced through the use of empirical data to supplement the expert knowledge and literature which were used to determine the original four fine sediment sensitivity ratings. The empirical data used, comprised observations of invertebrate abundance and percentage fine sediment, collected across a wide range of reference condition temperate stream and river ecosystems (model training dataset n = 2252). Species were assigned sensitivity weights within a range based on their previously determined sensitivity rating. Using a range of weights acknowledges the breadth of ecological niches that invertebrates occupy and also their differing potential as indicators. The optimum species-specific sensitivity weights were identified using non-linear optimisation, as those that resulted in the highest Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between the Empirically-weighted PSI (E-PSI) scores and deposited fine sediment in the model training dataset. The correlation between percentage fine sediment and E-PSI scores in the test dataset (n = 252) was eight percentage points higher than the correlation between percentage fine sediment and the original PSI scores (E-PSI r_s = −0.74, p < 0.01 compared to PSI r_s = −0.66, p < 0.01). This study demonstrates the value of combining a sound biological basis with evidence from large empirical datasets, to test and enhance the performance of biomonitoring tools to increase confidence in their application.     

Delirium prevalence in a Colombian hospital,association with geriatric syndromes and complications during hospitalization

BackgroundThe aim of this paper is to describe the prevalence of Delirium and the factors associated with its presentation and complications identified in a geriatric unit in Colombia.Material and methodsThis is a retrospective observational study that included all patients admitted consecutively for two years in a geriatric unit of a hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. We assessed delirium prevalence with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). The independent variables were age, sex, functional impairment (Barthel < 90), malnutrition (MNA < 12), pressure ulcers at admission, state of the social support network, number of comorbidities, polypharmacy (5 or more drugs), complications such as ICU requirement, hospital stay, in-hospital functional impairment and mortality were also evaluated. As an exclusion criterion: not having CAM registered in the medical record, all the patients had this information.ResultsWe studied 1599 subjects with a mean age of 86 years (IQR 9). Delirium prevalence was 51.03%. Delirium was associated with a higher rate of: pressure ulcers on admission [OR 3.76 (CI 2.60–5.43 p < 0.001)], functional impairment [OR 2.38 (CI 1.79–3.16 p < 0.001)], malnutrition [OR 2.06 (CI 1.56–2.73 p < 0.001)], and infection [OR 1.46 (CI 1.17–1.82 p < 0.001)]. Moreover delirium has a higher association with mortality [OR 2.80 (1.03–7.54 p = 0.042)], in-hospital functional decline [OR 1.82 (1.41–2.36 p < 0.001)], and longer hospital stay [OR 1.04 (1.04–1.09 p = 0.006)]; independently of age, sex, pressure ulcers on admission, functional impairment, malnutrition, dementia, infection and limited social network.ConclusionOur study suggests that infectious diseases and geriatric syndromes such as, functional dependence, pressure ulcers, malnutrition or major cognitive impairment are independently associated with the presence of delirium on admission. Additionally, the presence of delirium is independently associated during hospitalization with complications, longer hospital stay, functional impairment and mortality.     

Molecular analysis of the bacterial community in digestive tract of rabbit

This work aimed to study the stability over time of the bacterial community in cæcum and fæces of the rabbit (diversity index and structure) without experimental disturbance and to evaluate its relationships with environmental parameters. Soft and hard fæces of 14 rabbits were sampled for 5 weeks while cæcal content was sampled on the 3rd week (by surgery) and the 5th week (at slaughter). Bacterial communities were assessed by studying CE-SSCP profiles of 16S rRNA genes fragments. Redox potential, pH, NH3-N concentration and volatile fatty acid concentrations were measured in the cæcum. Data showed that bacterial communities of soft and hard fæces barely differed from that of the cæcum (ANOSIM-R < 0.25; p < 0.05). Without disturbance, the bacterial communities of fæces were stable over time (ANOSIM-R < 0.25; p < 0.001). However, the bacterial communities of cæcum and fæces were affected by the surgery (ANOSIM-R = 0.22–0.33; p < 0.001). The cæcal content was an acidic (pH = 6.03 ± 0.33) and an anaerobic environment (redox potential = ?160 ± 43 mV). Only the redox potential was correlated with the diversity index of the bacterial community of the cæcum (R² = 0.35; p < 0.05) and no environmental parameters were correlated to its structure.     

Effects of plyometric and pneumatic explosive strength training on neuromuscular function and dynamic balance control in 60–70 year old males

The present study compared neuromuscular adaptations to 12 weeks of plyometric (PLY) or pneumatic (PNE) power training and their effects on dynamic balance control. Twenty-two older adults aged 60–70 (PLY n = 9, PNE n = 11) participated in the study. Measurements were conducted at Pre, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Dynamic balance was assessed as anterior–posterior center of pressure (COP) displacement in response to sudden perturbations. Explosive isometric knee extension and plantar flexion maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) were performed. Maximal drop jump performance from optimal dropping height was measured in a sledge ergometer. Increases in knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor torque and muscle activity were higher and occurred sooner in PNE, whereas in drop jumping, PLY showed a clearer increase in optimal drop height (24%, p < 0.01) after 8 weeks of training and soleus muscle activity after 12 weeks of training. In spite of these training mode specific adaptations, both groups showed similar improvements in dynamic balance control after 4 weeks of training (PLY 38%, p < 0.001; PNE 31%, p < 0.001) and no change thereafter. These results show that although power and plyometric training may involve different neural adaptation mechanisms, both training modes can produce similar improvements in dynamic balance control in older individuals. As COP displacement was negatively correlated with rapid knee extension torque in both groups (PLY r = −0.775, p < 0.05; PNE r = −0.734, p < 0.05) after training, the results also highlight the importance of targeting rapid force production when training older adults to improve dynamic balance.