Protein expression of the tear film of domestic cats before and after inoculation with Toxoplasma gondii

Background Tear film (TF) helps maintain and protect ocular function against damage to the ocular surface. Proteins are one of its main constituents, whose expression pattern can be used as a biomarker of ocular changes and systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of proteins in the TF of domestic cats before and after infection with Toxoplasma gondii, in the phases of acute infection and chronicity. Twelve healthy cats received orally homogenized brain matter obtained from mice inoculated with T. gondii oocysts, strain ME49. Cat feces were collected daily from the third day after infection to assess the release of oocysts. TF samples were obtained from cats, by Schirmer’s Tear Test 1, on day 0 (before infection), day 5 after infection (acute phase of infection, with maximum peak release of oocysts in feces) and on day 21 after infection (start of chronic phase, 7 days after total absence of oocyst release in feces). Tear samples were also submitted to proteomic analysis in a Q-Tof-Premier mass spectrometer. Results A total of 37 proteins with scores equal to or greater than 100 were identified on D0, followed by 36 on D5 and 42 on D21. Of these, 27 were common to D0 and D5, 33 to D0 and D21, 27 to D5 and D21, and 26 were common to the three groups, totaling 54 proteins. The most abundant proteins were lipocalin allergen Fel d, serum albumin, aldehyde dehydrogenase, lactoperoxidase and lactotransferrin. There was no significant difference in the abundance of proteins found on D0 and D5, but there was a statistical difference between D0 and D21 for ACT1_AEDAE, CERU_HUMAN and GELS_HUMAN. Regarding D5 and D21, there were significant differences for KV1_CANLF, LAC_PIG, TRFL_PIG, ACT1_AEDAE, CERU_HUMAN, GELS_HUMAN and OVOS2_HUMAN. Conclusions The main proteins identified in the TF of domestic cats are similar to those found in humans and other animal species. Most are part of the ocular surface defense system against injuries. The most expressed proteins in animals in the chronic phase of T. gondii infection are associated with the immune response to the parasite.

Feasibility Study of Bio-fuel As a Sustainable Product of Biomass: An Overview of Its Fundamentals, Application and Environmental Impact

The energy crisis and ecological disasters have become a critical problem in recent decades. The human activities through industrial operations increase emissions and other pollutant particulates in the world as a result of steady patronage on fossil feedstock. Several experiments were performed to identify an alternative fuel meeting the rising energy demand. Biomass (bio-fuel) has recently been developed as an economical fuel, environmentally friendly resource, renewable and sustainable fuel. Approximately 350 crop plants were evaluated and some of them could be considered as suitable alternative diesel engine fuels. To increase the bio-fuel quantity globally, apart from crops, other biomaterial sources are considered potential in biofuel production. It was shown that the properties of biofuel combustion are identical to fossil. In the experimental combustion of biodiesel blends, higher ignition pressure and temperature, shorter ignition delay, and higher peak release were recorded. This paper is a literature review on the need for biofuels as a global renewable fuel resource and aims to explain the characteristics of combustion and pollutant formation in the application of biofuels. The study also stated the resources, the use of biogas and its emission impact in flameless combustion mode. With holistic adoption of biomass source of fuel together with the modern conversion techniques, issues from fuel emissions will be mitigated.

Pituitary and ovarian hormones: is their plasma concentration affected by litter size in primiparous lactating rabbit does?

Genetic selection in commercial rabbit lines based on litter size has positively improved the number of kits suckling, presumably to weaning. Although it has been proven that the energetic balance of primiparous does is due to the need to satisfy pregnancy, lactation and growth requirements, litter size adjustment from 7 to 12 kits is applied as a routine in commercial rabbit farms. The suckling stimulus provokes a prolactin (PRL) secretion, which in turn can modulate the preovulatory release of luteinising hormone (LH) and, consequently, the ovulatory and productive responses of the does. This study aimed to determine if litter size of prolific primiparous rabbit does during lactation [Group HL, with high litter density (10-12 kits; n=21) and Group LL, with low litter density (7-9 kits; n=29)] influences plasma concentration of PRL. Blood samples from lactating does were taken weekly throughout lactation starting on day 4 post-partum, until day 32 post-partum, before and immediately after suckling. In addition, the does were re-inseminated after weaning (day 32 post-partum), and sampled at 0 and 60 min after induction of ovulation to determine whether litter size affected the peak of LH, progesterone (P4) concentrations and the main productive parameters of their second pregnancy. All hormones were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that the PRL concentrations of hyperprolific rabbit does before and immediately after a suckling stimulus from 7-9 or 10-12 kits were significanltly different, as we only detected basal levels, with a rise after weaning in both groups. More studies are necessary, delaying blood sampling to later periods of time after the suckling stimulus, in order to conclude whether the peak release of this hormone is altered or not. There were also no differences in plasma LH and progesterone levels after artificial insemination, or in productive performance of these females after their second pregnancy. In conclusion, the litter size adjustment of prolific primiparous rabbits with 7 to 12 kits determines adequate pituitary, ovarian and reproductive responses at second parturition if the does are inseminated after weaning.

Oxytocin and cortisol release during suckling, hand-milking and machine milking in camels

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that oxytocin (OT) could be released during suckling and during milking with and without the presence of a calf and that this release could be regulated by maternal behaviour. Plasma concentration patterns of OT and cortisol (CORT) were measured in six Tunisian dromedary camels during 2 suckling episodes, 2 manual milking episodes with calves beside the mother and 2 machine milking episodes without calves present. Various patterns of OT release were observed between each camel including specific two peak release patterns. Higher plasma OT concentrations were found during the suckling and hand-milking episodes with simultaneous suckling of calves, than during the machine milking episodes without calves. Exclusive mechanical milking episodes also evoked significant mean OT release, although greatly reduced compared to suckling and hand milking. The low basal levels and classical CORT release patterns suggested non-stressful management practices were used and there were very limited differences in udder stimulation between managements. The OT release induced by exclusive suckling and suckling together with hand-milking gives a reference point for what a good milk ejection stimulation is in camels. The important and specific reduction of OT release during machine milking without the calf present could be a physiological consequence of the maternal behaviour (selectivity for the own young) and to a lesser extent explained by a lower stimulation by machine milking.

The Impact of Hemp Shives Impregnated with Selected Plant Oils on Mechanical, Thermal, and Insulating Properties of Polyurethane Composite Foams

Polyurethane (PUR) foams reinforced with 2 wt.% hemp shives (HS) fillers were successfully synthesized. Three different types of HS fillers were evaluated—non-treated HS, HS impregnated with sunflower oil (SO) and HS impregnated with tung oil (TO). The impact of each type of HS fillers on cellular morphology, mechanical performances, thermal stability, and flame retardancy was evaluated. It has been shown that the addition of HS fillers improved the mechanical characteristics of PUR foams. Among all modified series, the greatest improvement was observed after the incorporation of non-treated HS filler—when compared with neat foams, the value of compressive strength increased by ~13%. Moreover, the incorporation of impregnated HS fillers resulted in the improvement of thermal stability and flame retardancy of PUR foams. For example, the addition of both types of impregnated HS fillers significantly decreased the value of heat peak release (pHRR), total smoke release (TSR), and limiting oxygen index (LOI). Moreover, the PUR foams containing impregnated fillers were characterized by improved hydrophobicity and limited water uptake. The obtained results confirmed that the modification of PUR foams with non-treated and impregnated HS fillers may be a successful approach in producing polymeric composites with improved properties.

TIMING OF LARVAL RELEASE BY REEF CORAL Pocillopora damicornis AT PANJANG ISLAND, CENTRAL JAVA

Monthly larval release by the coral Pocillopora damicornis at Panjang Island, Central Java was investigated. Corals were collected from windward and leeward and maintained in outdoor, flow-trough system to quantify nightly release of larvae. Larval release of the coral occurs every month throughout the year, and its planulation increased during dry monsoon. Monthly planulation occurs from new moon to full moon and possesses in different pattern between single and paired colonies. Planulation in paired colonies occurred in single peak and more synchronized in each colony however single colonies planulated in double peaks and less synchronized in each colony. This study confirmed that planulation period of P. damicornis at Panjang Island over a range of lunar phases with shorter periods of peak release which predominantly controlling by tidal range rather than lunar cycle.

The influence of pilot injection on high-temperature ignition processes and early flame structure in a high-speed direct injection diesel engine

Simultaneous high-speed natural luminosity and OH* chemiluminescence imaging is used to characterize high-temperature ignition processes in conventional diesel combustion with a pilot-main injection strategy in a single-cylinder, light-duty optical diesel engine. High-speed imaging provides temporally and spatially resolved information in terms of high-temperature ignition processes and flame structure during the combustion. Using these imaging measurements, the high-temperature inflammation and the diffusion flame development processes are analyzed. The chemiluminescence signal shows a hot, reactive mixture, which gradually decreases after the peak release of the pilot combustion and lasts long after the apparent heat release has ended. Therefore, when the reactive pilot mixture exists near the main injection jets, the high-temperature ignition of the main injection is apparently initiated through interactions with the reactive pilot mixture. High-temperature autoignition, another process by which ignition of the main injection occurs, is observed in main injection plumes where the chemiluminescence signal of the reactive pilot mixture becomes very weak or is absent at the start of main injection. As the reaction of the main injection continues, the non-premixed main injection jet structure is developed and the high-temperature reacting region expands throughout the jet.

Seasonal methane accumulation and release from a gas emission site in the central North Sea

Hydroacoustic data document the occurrence of 5 flare clusters and several single flares from which bubbles rise through the entire water column from an active seep site at 40 m water depth in the central North Sea. We investigated the difference in dissolved methane distributions along a 6 km transect crossing this seep site during a period of seasonal summer stratification (July 2013) and a period of well mixed winter water column (January 2014). Dissolved methane accumulated below the seasonal thermocline in summer with a median concentration of 390 nM, whereas during winter, methane concentrations were much lower (median concentration of 22 nM) and punctually elevated due to bubble transport. High resolution methane analysis by an underwater mass-spectrometer confirmed our summer results and were used to document prevailing stratification over the tidal cycle. Although sufficient methane was available, microbial methane oxidation was limited during both seasons. Measured and averaged rate constants (k') using Michaelis Menten kinetics were on the order of 0.01 days-1, equivalent to a turnover time of 100 days. Time series measurements indicated an uptake of only 5–6% of the gas after 4 days, and no known methanotrophs and pmoA-genes were detected. Estimated methane fluxes indicate that horizontal eddy transport rapidly disperses dissolved methane, vertical transport becomes dominant during phases of high wind speeds, and relative to these processes, microbial methane oxidation appears to be comparably low. To bridge the discrete field data we developed a 1-D seasonal model using available year-long records of wind speed, surface temperature and thermocline depth. The model simulations show a peak release of methane at the beginning of fall when the water column becomes mixed. Consistent with our field data, inclusion of microbial methane oxidation does not change the model results significantly, thus microbial oxidation appears to be not sufficient to notably reduce methane during summer stratification before the peak release in fall.

Abstract 12590: Usefullness of Early Release Peak of Cardiac Biomarkers for Detection of Myocardial Infarction Related to Coronary Revascularization Procedures. A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study

Background: The elevation of troponin (TnI) and creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) after coronary revascularization procedures is frequent, but may not be reliable at identifying a definitive procedure-related myocardial injury. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard in the identification of small areas of myocardial necrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The presence of a biomarker early release peak might indicate a nonlethal transient cellular myocardial damage and help to discriminate the patients without procedure-related myocardial lesion. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the amount and pattern of release of biomarkers after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with the area of new LGE on CMR. Methods: Patients with indication for coronary revascularization were included. Measurements of high-sensitivity TnI and CK-MB were obtained before and after the procedures, every 6 hours until 48 hours after PCI, and up to 72 hours after CABG. We evaluated the area under the curve (AUC) and peak release of biomarkers and stratified before and 24 hours after the procedure. CMR was performed before and after procedures with quantification of necrosis by LGE. Results: From 150 patients who completed the study, 60 (40%) underwent CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), 44 (29.3%) without CPB, and 46 (30.7%) underwent PCI. 130 (86.7%) exhibited release of cardiac biomarkers consistent with myocardial injury, however only 32 (21.3%) had new LGE on CMR. The AUC and peak release of TnI showed a moderate correlation with the mass of new myocardial LGE on CMR (AUC: r = 0.46, P < 0.0001; TnI peak: r = 0.45, P < 0.0001), as well as the AUC and peak release of CKMB (AUC: r = 0.33, P < 0.0001; CK-MB peak: r = 0.35, P <0.0001). Patients without new LGE on CMR had more frequently an early peak release of cardiac biomarkers when compared with those with new LGE: 63 (88.7%) vs. 8 (11.3%), P = 0.004. Conclusion: The elevation of cardiac biomarkers after coronary revascularization procedures had a low diagnostic power for the detection of new myocardial areas of infarction identified by LGE on CMR. The early release of biomarkers may be useful to rule out the diagnosis of peri-procedural myocardial infarction.

Responses of macroinvertebrate drift, benthic assemblages, and trout foraging to hydropeaking

We utilized both hydropeaking and experimental flows to quantify responses of macroinvertebrate drift, benthic assemblages, and fish consumption to double-peak release patterns. Our results suggest that changes in discharge may have a greater impact on macroinvertebrate drift than absolute flow levels, such that mean daily drift biomass was significantly higher during double-peaking; however, drift increases were sustained for only 30–60 days despite ongoing hydropeaking. Drift increases were proportional to peak magnitude, with drift biomass peaking during the rising limb of the hydrograph and declining prior to the cessation of peak flows. Both within- and among-day drift hysteresis appeared related to patterns in vegetative export, principally Cladophora and Amblystegium. Increases in macroinvertebrate drift were not associated with detectable reductions in benthic densities, while we observed inconsistent and modest taxa richness reductions. Lastly, gut fullness for both brown and rainbow trout increased significantly following periods of hydropeaking, suggesting that the effects of double-peaking can propagate through tail-water food webs.