Climatic dependency of soil organic carbon isotopic composition along the S–N Transect from 34°N to 52°N in central-east Asia

We explored the relationships between surface-soil (1–20 cm) organic carbon isotopic signatures and associated climatic factors in central-east Asia in an attempt to develop transfer functions that can be used to retrieve the paleoclimatic information stored in the thick eolian–paleosol sequences within the area. Our analysis shows that the negative correlation between the surface-soil organic δ¹³C values and the mean annual precipitation is robust (R² = 0.453; n = 196; p < 0.05) and the negative correlation with the growing-season (April–September) precipitation is more significant (R² = 0.4966; n = 196; p < 0.05). Our study further shows that the positive correlation between the surface-soil organic δ¹³C values and mean growing-season aridity is most significant (R² = 0.5805; n = 196; p < 0.05). We have smoothed both the organic δ¹³C values and the mean growing-season aridity values using a 3-point moving-window average-filter method in an attempt to remove some of random errors and found that the positive correlation between the two is further increased (R² =  0.7784; n =  192; p < 0.05). These robust linear relationships demonstrate their value in reconstructing paleoclimate changes in the study area. The documented climatic dependency of the surface-soil carbon isotopic composition in the study area might have resulted both from the humidity-related isotopic enrichment processes of the dominant C₃ plants (stomatal conductance and photosynthetic discrimination) and from the aridity-related abundance of C₄ plants (mainly Chenopodiaceae species) along the S–N bioclimatic gradient.     

Improving and evaluating the soil cover indicator for agricultural land in Canada

A soil cover days (SCD) model has been developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for use as an agri-environmental indicator to monitor the relationship between agricultural production activities and agri-environmental quality. The SCD indicator integrates information on crops, soils, climate, and field activities to estimate the total equivalent number of days that agricultural soils are covered by crop canopy, crop residue and snow in a given year. Daily cover fractions of plant and residue for a given crop in an ecoregion are simulated using typical crop calendar and field management practices, and the equivalent number of days that soil is covered by snow in winter is derived from long term climate normals. The equivalent SCD for a spatial unit is then derived as the area-weighted sum of different crops and different management practices within the unit. This paper presents the SCD framework, details an assessment of the accuracy of the model and outlines future improvements. Annual snow days derived from 30-year climate normals as used in the model was strongly correlated (excluding mountain areas) with that derived from satellite data (R² = 0.45, n = 48), even though the remote sensing product showed significant temporal and spatial variability. Crop residue fraction estimated by the model was strongly correlated with field data collected over major crop areas and crop types (R² = 0.74, n = 55), and modelled plant cover fraction was well correlated with that derived from remote sensing data (R² = 0.57, n = 57). Large discrepancies were observed for some samples due to deviation of the actual crop calendar from that estimated using climate normals. National map showing the change in the indicator from 1981 to 2011 reveals changes in crop and residue management practices.     

Differentiated influence of off-road and on-road cycling practice on balance control and the related-neurosensory organization

This study aimed to determine the sensorimotor strategies privileged by mountain bikers (MTB) and road cyclists (RC) for balance control. Twenty-four MTB and 24 RC (off-road Olympics, world, continental and national champions, Tour-de-France participants, on-road world cup race winner) volunteered to answer a questionnaire about the characteristics of cycling practice and perform a sensory organization test, aiming to evaluate balance control in 6 different sensory situations based upon visual and support surface perturbations (C1^ES to C6^ES). RC balance performances were better than those of MTB both during quiet stance eyes opened (C1^ES, p = 0.011) and when only somatosensory information is disrupted (C4^ES, p = 0.039), highlighting a higher use of vision to control balance in RC. Moreover, a positive correlation was shown in the whole population (MTB + RC) between the visual ratio (R^VIS = C4^ES/C1^ES) and the proportion of riding distance of on-road cycling (ρ = 0.28, p = 0.054). In MTB, the use of proprioception (somatosensory ratio: R^SOM = C2^{ES(eyes closed)}/C1^ES) was increased by a higher intensity of off-road cycling (ρ = 0.49, p = 0.018) and that of vision (R^VIS) by a higher intensity of on-road cycling (ρ = 0.41, p = 0.048). The difference in sensory organization between MTB and RC could be explained by adaptive processes elaborated from environmental stimulations and technical specificities of these disciplines.     

The influence of the de Vries (∼ 200-year) solar cycle on climate variations: Results from the Central Asian Mountains and their global link

Long-term climatic changes related to solar forcing were examined using millennium-scale palaeoclimatic reconstructions from the Central Asian mountain region, i.e. summer temperature records for the Tien Shan mountains and precipitation records for the Tibetan Plateau. The reconstructions were based on juniper tree-ring width records, i.e. Juniperus turkestanica for the Tien Shan and Sabina przewalskii for the Tibetan Plateau. The data were processed using spectral and wavelet analysis and filtered in the frequency range related to major solar activity periodicities. The results obtained for various tree-ring chronologies indicate palaeoclimatic oscillations in the range of the de Vries (～ 210-year) solar cycles through the last millennium.The quasi-200-year variations revealed in the palaeoclimatic reconstructions correlate well (R² = 0.58–0.94) with solar activity variations (Δ¹⁴C variations). The quasi-200-year climatic variations have also been detected in climate-linked processes in Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia, and the Arctic and Antarctica. The results obtained point to a pronounced influence of solar activity on global climatic processes.Analysis has shown that climate response to the long-term global solar forcing has a regional character. An appreciable delay in the climate response to the solar signal can occur (up to 150 years). In addition, the sign of the climate response can differ from the solar signal sign. The climate response to long-term solar activity variations (from 10s to 1000s years) manifests itself in different climatic parameters, such as temperature, precipitation and atmospheric and oceanic circulation. The climate response to the de Vries cycle has been found to occur not only during the last millennia but also in earlier epochs, up to hundreds of millions years ago.     

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.     

Modulation of intracellular chloride channels by ATP and Mg2+

We report the effects of ATP and Mg²⁺ on the activity of intracellular chloride channels. Mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane vesicles isolated from rat hearts were incorporated into bilayer lipid membranes, and single chloride channel currents were measured. The observed chloride channels (n = 112) possessed a wide variation in single channel parameters and sensitivities to ATP. ATP (0.5–2 mmol/l) modulated and/or inhibited the chloride channel activities (n = 38/112) in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition effect was irreversible (n = 5/93) or reversible (n = 15/93). The non-hydrolysable ATP analogue AMP-PNP had a similar inhibition effect as ATP, indicating that phosphorylation did not play a role in the ATP inhibition effect. ATP modulated the gating properties of the channels (n = 6/93), decreased the channels' open dwell times and increased the gating transition rates. ATP (0.5–2 mmol/l) without the presence of Mg²⁺ decreased the chloride channel current (n = 12/14), whereas Mg²⁺ significantly reversed the effect (n = 4/4). We suggest that ATP-intracellular chloride channel interactions and Mg²⁺ modulation of these interactions may regulate different physiological and pathological processes.     

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.     

δ13C and stomatal number variability in the Cretaceous conifer Frenelopsis

The ¹³C/¹²C ratios of leaves of the conifer morphotype Frenelopsis were measured to decipher the influences of water and salt stress on stomatal density (SD), epidermal cell density (ECD) and stomatal index (SI). Three morphospecies were analyzed: F. ugnaensis from freshwater fluvio-lacustrine deposits (Upper Barremian), F. turolensis and alata from coastal deposits (Lower-Middle Albian and Upper Albian respectively). The cuticle δ¹³C values show a large variation from ? 28‰ to ? 21‰. Comparison with previously published marine carbonate δ¹³C records indicate that the difference in cuticle δ¹³C between the different deposits are mainly due to difference in CO₂-plant isotope fractionation rather than to change in isotopic composition of inorganic carbon in the atmosphere and ocean. The less negative δ¹³C and wide range in δ¹³C of F. turolensis and alata (? 27.5 to ? 21‰), compared to F. ugnaensis, (? 28 to ? 25‰) are interpreted as a result of salt and/or water stress. The data as a whole yield a good relationship between the ¹³C/¹²C ratio and SD (r = 0.67, n = 42, p < 0.001), SI (r = 0.53, n = 41, p < 0.001), hence suggesting that the differences in SD and SI between the three morphospecies are related to freshwater/saline environment. Looking at single morphospecies, the SD of F. ugnaensis decreases with increasing δ¹³C value (r = ? 0.57, n = 15, p = 0.026) as well as a decrease of SI (r = ? 0.62, n = 15, p = 0.013), possibly reflecting warmer and drier conditions. Average SI of F. alata does not significantly change with δ¹³C and inferred soil salinity in contrast to SD (p < 0.01).     

Male infertility: Decreased levels of selenium,zinc and antioxidants

In this study, we aimed to compare the level of zinc, selenium, glutathione peroxidase activity and antioxidant status in following populations of men: severe inflammation in prostate (>10⁶ white blood cells in prostate secretion; n = 29), severe leukocytospermia, (>10⁶ white blood cells in semen; n = 31), mild inflammation, (0.2–1 M white blood cells in semen or prostate secretion; n = 24), non-inflammatory oligozoospermia (n = 32) and healthy controls (n = 27). Male partners of infertile couples had reduced level of antioxidative activity, selenium and zinc in their seminal plasma. Most importantly, reduced selenium levels were evident in all patient groups regardless of inflammation status. Therefore, these patients might gain some benefit from selenium supplementation.     

Size and density of East Greenland polar bear (Ursus maritimus) skulls: Valuable bio-indicators of environmental changes?

There is an increasing interest in assessing the relationship between climatic oscillations, environmental contaminants and the modelling of animal physiological and morphological responses. We therefore undertook a study of skull condylobasal length (CBL; reflecting body size) and bone mineral density (BMD) in 87 East Greenland male polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled in the time period of 1892–2010. The purpose of the study was to investigate if these measures are potential candidates as indicators for stress associated with climate change and long-range transported toxic industrial chemicals. The analyses showed that both BMD and CBL in polar bears sampled in period 4 (1999–2010, n = 57) were significantly lower when compared with period 2 (1920–1936, n = 19) (both p < 0.02). Groups of persistent organohalogen contaminants (PCBs [polychlorinated biphenyls], DDT [dichlordiphenyltrichlorethane], HCH [hexachlorocyclohexane], HCB [hexachlorobenzene], chlordanes, dieldrin, PBDEs [polybrominated diphenyl ethers]) were measured in period 4 and multiple regression analyses controlling for age showed that dieldrin had a significant negative effect on BMD (p = 0.03, n = 52) while significant positive correlations with CBL were found for DDT, dieldrin and PBDE (all p < 0.05, n = 52). When testing the correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation climate index no significant relationship was found for BMD (p = 0.97, r = −0.01, n = 27) nor CBL (p = 0.31, r = −0.2, n = 27). We therefore suggest that BMD and body size have decreased in East Greenland polar bear males over the past 120 years and that exposure to organohalogen contaminants may explain the BMD reductions. It is, however, not entirely clear if and how climatic oscillations affected the reductions in body size and BMD mainly because of the limited sample size in period 2 and lower mean age in period 4. Therefore, precautions should be taken towards a final conclusion on BMD and CBL as bioindicators for climate oscillations and exposure to toxic environmental chemicals. It is recommended that the sampling and archiving of East Greenland polar bear skulls continue in order to further explore how CBL and BMD reflect individual and population response upon exposure to environmental stress.     

Climatic potential of δ18O of Abies spectabilis from the Nepal Himalaya

A 50-year tree-ring δ¹⁸O chronology of Abies spectabilis growing close to the tree line (3850 m asl) in the Nepal Himalaya is established to explore its dendroclimatic potential. Response function analysis with ambient climatic records revealed that tree-ring δ¹⁸O is primarily governed by rainfall during the monsoon season (June–September), and the regression model accounts for 35% of the variance in rainfall. Extreme dry years identified in instrumental weather data are detected in the δ¹⁸O chronology. Further, tree-ring δ¹⁸O is much more sensitive to rainfall fluctuations than other tree-ring parameters such as width and density typically used in dendroclimatology. Correlation analyses with Niño 3.4 SST reveal time-dependent behavior of ENSO–monsoon relationships.     

Immune mobilization of autologous blood progenitor cells: direct influence on the cellular subsets collected

Background aimsA phase I trial examined the ability of immunotherapy to mobilize progenitor and activated T cells.MethodsInterleukin (IL)-2 was administered subcutaneously for 11 days, with granulocyte (G)-colony-stimulating factor (CSF) (5 mcg/kg/day) and granulocyte–macrophage (GM)-CSF (7.5 mcg/kg/day) added for the last 5 days. Leukapheresis was initiated on day 11. Thirteen patients were treated (myeloma n = 11, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma n = 2).ResultsToxicities were minimal. IL-2 was stopped in two patients because of capillary leak (n = 1) and diarrhea (n = 1). Each patient required 2.5 leukaphereses (median; range 1–3) to collect 3.2 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/kg (median; range 1.9–6.6 × 10⁶/kg). Immune mobilization increased the number of CD3⁺ CD8⁺ T cells (P = 0.002), CD56⁺ natural killer (NK) cells (P = 0.0001), CD8⁺ CD56⁺ T cells (P = 0.002) and CD4⁺ CD25⁺ cells (P = 0.0001) compared with cancer patients mobilized with G-CSF alone. There was increased lysis of myeloma cells after 7 days (P = 0.03) or 11 days (P = 0.02). The maximum tolerated dose of IL-2 was 1 × 10⁶ IU/m²/day.ConclusionsImmune mobilization is well tolerated with normal subsequent marrow engraftment. As cells within the graft influence lymphocyte recovery, an increased number of functional lymphocytes may result in more rapid immune reconstitution.     

Serum progesterone concentrations,follicular development and time of ovulation using a new progesterone releasing device (DICO®) in sheep

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new controlled drug releasing device containing 0.3 g progesterone (DICO^®) on ovarian control in sheep. In experiment 1, serum progesterone concentrations induced by a 14 days treatment of DICO^® (n = 9) and CIDR-G^® (n = 9) were compared in ovariectomized ewes. Both devices induced similar responses and no differences were recorded. In experiment 2, the onset of oestrus and the time of ovulation obtained after 14 days treatment with DICO^® (n = 8) and CIDR-G^® (n = 7) were compared in cyclic ewes. Both devices induced oestrus and ovulation in all of the ewes. The onset of oestrus (34.5 ± 2.8 and 30.0 ± 7.7 h), the time of ovulation (60.0 ± 9.1 and 54.9 ± 6.4 h), the ovulation rate (1.3 ± 0.5 and 1.4 ± 0.5), the follicular diameter at ovulation (7.0 ± 0.8 and 7.3 ± 1.1 mm), and the lifespan of the ovulatory follicles (8.6 ± 2.2 and 10.0 ± 2.9 days) were similar for the DICO^® and CIDR-G^® devices, respectively. In Experiment 3, the re-utilization of DICO^® devices inserted for 6 days (i.e. short-term protocol) was evaluated in ovariectomized ewes. The females received a re-used (previously used for 6 days; n = 11) or a new DICO^® (n = 11) for a period of 6 days. The re-used DICO^® devices induced a lower serum progesterone concentration than the new devices (P < 0.05). However, the re-used DICO^® device maintained serum progesterone concentrations above 7.1 nmol/L (i.e. >2 ng/ml) throughout treatment. In Experiment 4, the administration of eCG treatment at DICO^® withdrawal was evaluated in cyclic ewes. The short-term protocol using DICO^® devices for 6 days was applied with (n = 8) or without (n = 7) 300 IU eCG at the time of device withdrawal. The administration of eCG advanced ovarian follicular development, synchronizing the onset of oestrus at 36 h and the time of ovulation at 60 h from device withdrawal. In conclusion, data from these experiments show the use of DICO^® or CIDR-G^® devices containing 0.3 g of progesterone to have a similar efficiency in controlling serum progesterone concentrations, follicular development and the time of ovulation in sheep. The re-use of the devices, associated with the short-term protocol for 6 days is possible, although further studies on induced fertility rates are warranted.     

Selection by climatic regime and neutral evolutionary processes in holocentric chromosomes (Carex gr. laevigata: Cyperaceae): A microevolutionary approach

The holocentric structure promotes chromosome rearrangements by fission, fusion, translocation, and inversion, which have been thought to promote differentiation and speciation. The Carex laevigata group (Cyperaceae) comprises four species: two restricted endemics from the western Mediterranean (Carex camposii, 2n = 72, and Carex paulo-vargasii, 2n = 74–75), and two more widespread species, found mostly in Western Europe (C. laevigata, 2n = 69–84, and Carex binervis, 2n = 72–74). We tested the selection for chromosome number by climatic variables by controlling for the non-independence of the data using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). We obtained chromosome counts as well as DNA sequences for the 5′ trnK intron and the trnV-ndhC intergenic spacer in the chloroplast genome from 181 individuals from 53 populations representing these four species. We also climatically characterized the sites where the 53 populations were found using the WorldClim database. Our results show that the best predictor of chromosome number variation is the climatic environment rather than neutral evolutionary processes like founder events and migration patterns. These results support the adaptive value of the holocentric chromosomes and their role in promoting differentiation and eventually speciation.     

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay for the quantification of free and total sialic acid in human cerebrospinal fluid

BackgroundAnalysis of sialic acid (SA) metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is important for clinical diagnosis. In the present study, a high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) method for free sialic acid (FSA) and total sialic acid (TSA) in human CSF was validated.MethodsThe method utilized a simple sample-preparation procedure of protein precipitation for FSA and acid hydrolysis for TSA. Negative electrospray ionisation was used to monitor the transitions m/z 308.2 → 87.0 (SA) and m/z 311.2 → 90.0 (¹³C₃-SA). Conjugated sialic acid (CSA) was calculated by subtracting FSA from TSA. We established reference intervals for FSA, TSA and CSA in CSF in 217 control subjects. The method has been applied to patients’ samples with known differences in SA metabolites like meningitis (n = 6), brain tumour (n = 2), leukaemia (n = 5), and Salla disease (n = 1).ResultsLimit of detection (LOD) was 0.54 μM for FSA and 0.45 μM for TSA. Intra- and inter-assay variation for FSA (21.8 μM) were 4.8% (n = 10) and 10.4% (n = 40) respectively. Intra- and inter-assay variation for TSA (35.6 μM) were 9.7% (n = 10) and 12.8% (n = 40) respectively. Tested patients showed values of TSA above established reference value.ConclusionThe validated method allows sensitive and specific measurement of SA metabolites in CSF and can be applied for clinical diagnoses.     

The carbon flux of global rivers: A re-evaluation of amount and spatial patterns

Global rivers connect three large carbon reservoirs in the world: soil, atmosphere, and ocean. The amount and spatial pattern of riverine carbon flux are essential for the global carbon budget but are still not well understood. Therefore, three linear regression models for riverine DOC (dissolved organic carbon), POC (particulate organic carbon), and DIC (dissolved inorganic carbon) fluxes were established with related generating and transfer factors based on an updated global database. The three models then were applied to simulate the spatial distribution of riverine DOC, POC, and DIC fluxes and to estimate the total global riverine carbon flux. The major conclusions of this study are as follows: the correlation analysis showed that riverine DOC flux is significantly related to discharge (r² = 0.93, n = 109) and soil organic carbon amount (r² = 0.60), POC flux increases with discharge (r² = 0.55, n = 98) and amount of soil erosion (r² = 0.48), and DIC flux is strongly linked to CO₂ consumption by rock weathering (r² = 0.66, n = 111) and discharge (r² = 0.63). In addition, Asia exports more DOC and POC than other continents and North America exports more DIC. The Atlantic Ocean accepts the major portion of riverine DOC, POC, and DIC fluxes of all the oceans. The highest riverine DOC flux occurs in the 0–30°S zone, and the highest riverine POC and DIC fluxes appear in the 30–60°N zone. Furthermore, re-estimation revealed that global rivers export approximately 1.06 Pg C to oceans every year, including 0.24 Pg DOC, 0.24 Pg POC, 0.41 Pg DIC, and 0.17 Pg PIC.     

Two new N-heterocyclic carbene silver(I) complexes with the π–π stacking interactions

The precursors bis[N-(alkyl)benzimidazoliumylmethyl]durene halide (1a: alkyl = C₂H₅, halide = Br^?; 1b: alkyl = n-C₄H₉, halide = Cl^?; durene = 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene) and their two new NHC silver(I) complexes [Durene(CH₂BimyEtAgBr)₂] (2a) and [Durene(CH₂BimyⁿBuAgCl)₂] (2b) (Bimy = benzimidazol-2-ylidene) have been prepared and characterized. In the crystal structures of 2a and 2b the aromatic π–π stacking interactions are observed.     

Copper,selenium and zinc levels after bariatric surgery in patients recommended to take multivitamin-mineral supplementation

BackgroundBariatric surgery is widely performed to improve obesity-related disorders, but can lead to nutrient deficiencies. In this study we examined serum trace element concentrations before and after bariatric surgery.MethodsWe obtained serum trace element concentrations by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method in 437 patients (82% women, median preoperative body-mass index 46.7 kg/m² [interquartile range 42–51]) undergoing either gastric banding (22.7%), sleeve gastrectomy (20.1%), or gastric bypass (57.3%) procedures. Trace element data were available for patients preoperatively (n = 44); and 3 (n = 208), 6 (n = 174), 12 (n = 122), 18 (n = 39), 24 (n = 44) and 36 months (n = 14) post-operatively. All patients were recommended to take a multivitamin-mineral supplement after surgery.ResultsCopper deficiency was found in 2% of patients before surgery; and after surgery deficiency rates ranged from 0 to 5% with no significant change in median concentrations during follow-up (p = 0.68). Selenium deficiency was reported in 2% of patients before surgery; and after surgery deficiency rates ranged from 11 to 15% with a near-significant change in median concentrations (p = 0.056). Zinc deficiency was reported in 7% before surgery; and after surgery deficiency rates ranged from 7 to 15% with no significant change in median concentrations (p = 0.39).ConclusionsIn bariatric surgery patients recommended to take multivitamin-mineral supplements, serum copper, zinc and selenium concentrations were mostly stable during the first years after bariatric surgery. There was a possible tendency for selenium concentrations to decline during the early postoperative period.     

Opposite changes in cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor expression in human gliomas

Gliomas are the most important group of malignant primary brain tumors and one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. During the last years, several studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids induce apoptosis of glioma cells and inhibit angiogenesis of gliomas in vivo. As the effects of cannabinoids rely on CB₁ and CB₂ receptors activation, the aim of the present study was to investigate both receptors protein expression in cellular membrane homogenates of human glial tumors using specific antibodies raised against these proteins. Additionally, we studied the functionality of the cannabinoid receptors in glioblastomas by using WIN 55,212-2 stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding.Western blot analysis showed that CB₁ receptor immunoreactivity was significantly lower in glioblastoma multiforme (?43%, n = 10; p < 0.05) than in normal post-mortem brain tissue (n = 16). No significant differences were found for astrocytoma (n = 6) and meningioma (n = 8) samples. Conversely, CB₂ receptor immunoreactivity was significantly greater in membranes of glioblastoma multiforme (765%, n = 9; p < 0.05) and astrocytoma (471%, n = 4; p < 0.05) than in control brain tissue (n = 10). Finally, the maximal stimulation of [³⁵S]GTPγS binding by WIN 55,212-2 was significantly lower in glioblastomas (134 ± 4%) than in control membranes (183 ± 2%; p < 0.05). The basal [³⁵S]GTPγS binding and the EC₅₀ values were not significantly different between both groups.The present results demonstrate opposite changes in CB₁ and CB₂ receptor protein expression in human gliomas. These changes may be of interest for further research about the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in glial tumors.     

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.