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Strain relaxation occurring during epitaxial thin film growth on lattice mismatched substrates has been studied extensively. However, it remains unclear whether existing concepts, developed to describe planar interfaces, still apply to vertically aligned nanocomposites (VANs). In these hybrid systems, which consist of nanowires (NWs) epitaxially coupled to a surrounding single crystal matrix, the structure of the vertical heterointerface is still terra incognita. In the present work, we study CoNi:SrTiO3 as a prototype VAN with large lattice mismatch between the oxide host and the embedded metallic phase. We show that the NWs display a variety of strain states: we identify NWs with huge average tensile strains (2.4 to 4.2%) along their [001] axis, as well as partially relaxed segments, with (101) and (111) planes almost parallel to those of the matrix. An additional relaxation mechanism is identified in Ni-rich VANs, where the rotation of parts of the NWs provides lattice matching for a set of (101) planes at the NW/matrix interface. Surprisingly, this tilting mechanism depends on the composition of the CoNi alloy. For high Co content (57% and 78%), the lattice matching with the matrix is along one set of (111) planes, with creation of (111) stacking faults, a behavior that can be attributed to the increasing influence of the fcc/hcp phase transition. This sheds light on the complex structural rearrangements at play in VANs and illustrates the fundamental differences between planar and vertical epitaxy in metal/oxide systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked recessive haemorrhagic disorder resulting in factor VIII deficiency (FVIII) and the risk of spontaneous bleeding.[1] Most bleedings are inside the joints and can result in arthropathy. In 1994, the Ministry of Health (MOH) decided to establish a national programme for the treatment of haemophilia and each coordinating centre in the state capitals was assigned to store and distribute concentrates to other interior centres, where patients would receive it free of charge. Initially, the approach involved the response of some situations: (a) which should be the profile of the nurse responsible for the individualization of HA therapy with the aid of pharmacokinetics, (b) where this nurse should work and (c) which actions should characterize her/his role and could positively impact the given treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Control of gene expression and induction of cellular protection mechanisms are two important processes that plants employ to protect themselves against abiotic stresses. ABA-, stress, and ripening-induced (ASR) proteins have been identified to participate in such responses. Previous studies have proposed that these proteins can act as transcription factors and as molecular chaperones protecting transgenic plants against stresses; however a gene network regulated by ASRs has not been explored. To expand our knowledge on the function of these proteins in cereals, we present the functional characterization of a barley ASR gene. Expression of HvASR5 was almost ubiquitous in different organs and responded to ABA and to different stress treatments. When expressed ectopically, HvASR5 was able to confer drought and salt stress tolerance to Arabidopsis thaliana and to improve growth performance of rice plants under stress conditions. A transcriptomic analysis with two transgenic rice lines overexpressing HvASR5 helped to identify potential downstream targets and understand ASR-regulated cellular processes. HvASR5 up-regulated the expression of a distinct set of genes associated with stress responses, metabolic processes (particularly carbohydrate metabolism), as well as reproduction and development. These data, together with the confirmed nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of HvASR5, further support the hypothesis that HvASR5 can also carry out roles as molecular protector and transcriptional regulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report two ESIPT active novel fluorescent probes, 1 and 2 , based on benzoxazole and benzimidazole units, respectively. Their sensing aptitude towards metal ions in aqueous media is reported. A specific response of 1 to Al3+ and, to a lesser extent, Zn2+, was found, while the emission of 2 is highly impacted by the Al3+, Cu2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ metal ions by either a blue shift or a quenching of the emission. Emission of 2 also shows a relative sensitivity to the Ni2+ and Hg2+ cations. Anions sensing studies on 2 revealed a unique emission in presence of hypochlorite ions, while glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid have the effect to decrease the emission intensity by 40% and 75%, respectively. Investigations on the recognition mechanism led to the conclusion that Al3+ was inhibiting the ESIPT process by deprotonation of the phenol group, and that a fast but weak interaction was taking place between the hypochlorite ion and 2. [Display omitted] • Chemical sensors with optical detection through ESIPT mechanism selective to Aluminum and hypochlorite ions. • Unprecedented hypochlorite/oxime interaction. • Increased sensitivity to glyphosate and its main metabolite. • Detection of species dissolved in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous exposition to low temperature and high light radiation cause photoinhibition of photosynthetic apparatus, affecting the productivity and geographical distribution of agricultural crops. In several Solanaceous species, tolerance to low temperature stress in combination with high light has been associated with some stimulation in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), which involved reorganization in light-harvesting complex (LHC) proteins. To study photosynthetic performance in Solanum lycopersicum L. and S. chilense (Dunal) Reiche, and to investigate transcriptional regulation of genes encoding LHC proteins and their involvement in the NPQ, plants of both species were exposed to low temperature (4 °C) and high light radiation (1300 µmol m-2 s-1 ). Lipid peroxidation, photochemical efficiency, and changes in xanthophyll cycle pigments were measured. The results presented here indicate that S. chilense showed higher tolerance to photoinhibition than S. lycopersicum under low-temperature and high light conditions, increasing light-energy consumption in photochemical processes by increasing photosynthetic capacity as indicated by photochemical quenching (qP) and relative electron transport rate (ETR) parameters. The contribution of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding (LHC) protein was not related to dissipate excess excitation energy as heat (NPQ), but rather with the antioxidant function attributable to zeaxanthin as indicated by the amount of peroxidized lipids in S. chilense. We suggest that the differential expression of Lhca1 transcripts, with zeaxanthin binding sites could contribute to the greater tolerance of S. chilense to photoxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin stimulates type I collagen production in db/db mesangial cells: Glucose uptake and TGF-b type II receptor expression. Background. Serum leptin levels correlate with fat cell mass and are elevated in patients with massive obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are strong risk factors for the develop-a ment of glomerulosclerosis. We have previously shown in cul-TbRII tured glomerular endothelial cells that leptin stimulates cellular proliferation and expression of the prosclerotic cytokine trans-diabetes. forming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Although the effect of lep-tin on the hypothalamus to regulate energy homeostasis is well known, the effect of leptin on the kidney, and specifically on the glomerular mesangial cell, is unclear. Methods. The obese, diabetic db/db mouse, which lacks the functional full-length Ob-Rb leptin receptor, is a suitable model to assess the effects of hyperleptinemia on peripheral tissues that express other receptor isoforms. The effects of leptin on well-glucose uptake, the TGF-β system, and type I collagen produc- tion were evaluated in db/db mouse mesangial cells in culture. A phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor was used to assess the role of PI-3K in mediating the effects of leptin. Results. A short form of the leptin receptor (Ob-Ra), but not Ob-Rb, was present by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the kidney and mesangial cells of both nondia- betic db/m and diabetic db/db mice. In db/db mesangial cells, leptin increased 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DOG) uptake dose de- pendently and stimulated gene expression of TGF-b type II receptor (TbRII) and a1(I) collagen, but not TGF-β1. Protein production of type I collagen (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was also increased by leptin. Both leptin-stimulated 2DOG uptake and type I collagen production were suppressed by a PI-3K inhibitor, LY294002. Mesangial cells pretreated with leptin exhibited increased responsiveness... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wood chips (WCH) can be used as a source of physically effective fiber (PEF) for high-grain rations. • Due to its PEF, 1% WCH can replace 2.5% hay in diet permitting more inclusion of concentrate and better feed efficiency. • Using self-feeder to deliver a wood chip ration increases feed-to-gain ratio and reduces labor requirements. An experiment was conducted to evaluate wood chips as solely fiber source in high-concentrate diet and it system of delivery (hand-feeding vs self-feeder) in feedlot. Thirty-six steers (362±48.5 kg) blocked by bodyweight (BW) were randomly assigned to nine pens and three treatments: 1) 20% hay plus 80% commercial concentrate hand-fed; 2) 8% wood chips 92% commercial concentrate hand-fed (WCH-HF), and 3) 8% wood chip plus 92% commercial concentrate self-feed (WCH-SF). The experiment lasted 70-d. Wood chips replaced totally hay (Setaria italica) in diets which were formulated to contain similar concentration of N, energy and NDF and were offered as a total mixed ration. The animals were gradually introduced to their diets and then fed ad libitum. Body weight was recorded every 14 days. Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured daily on even weeks, and mean feed-to-gain (FG) ratio was calculated for the experimental period. Animal behavior was record during weeks 4 and 8, and physical effective fiber supply (peNDF) were estimated on weeks 5 and 9. Steers were all slaughtered on the same date, and then carcass traits were measured. The experiment was analyzed according to a randomized block design, with repeated measures. Fiber source and delivery system effects were tested through orthogonal contrasts. The replacement of GH with WCH did not affect (P>0.05) peNDF nor BW gain, but it did reduce DMI (P<0.01), improving FG (P<0.01). This change also increased resting time at the expense of ruminating activity. The replacement of HF with SF did not affect BW gain (P>0.05), but it did increase DMI (P<0.05) and FG value (P<0.01). Higher FG in SF could be related to the observed larger variation in DMI between weeks and between days (P<0.01) compared to a more stable intake pattern in HF. No differences due to fiber source or feed delivery system were observed in carcass weight (265.6±15.6 kg), back fat (11.3 ±2.1mm), or the rib-eye area (54.4 ±4.9 cm2). The inclusion up to 8% of wood chip in total replacing hay in finishing diets permit greater inclusion of concentrates increasing NEg and improving feed efficiency without detrimental effect on BW gain and carcass characteristics. Self-feeder can be an option to optimizing fed delivery in low-forage diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be defined as initiation of PD within 2 weeks of catheter insertion. Urgent-start PD can be offered to patients who are referred late to a nephrologist and who would typically be initiated on hemodialysis with a temporary vascular access. An urgent-start PD capability requires expedited options education, catheter placement, unique change in the PD unit infrastructure, and new processes of care. This report describes the urgent-start PD program established by a nephrology private practice in the United States. Operational aspects of the program and initial clinical results are described.

Progressive renal injury in diabetes mellitus leads to major morbidity and mortality. The manifestations of diabetic nephropathy may be a consequence of the actions of certain cytokines and growth factors. Prominent among these is transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) because it promotes renal cell hypertrophy and stimulates extracellular matrix accumulation, the two hallmarks of diabetic renal disease. In cell culture, high ambient glucose increases TGF-beta mRNA and protein in proximal tubular, glomerular epithelial, and mesangial cells. Neutralizing anti-TGF-beta antibodies prevent the hypertrophic and matrix stimulatory effects of high glucose in these cells. In experimental and human diabetes mellitus, several reports describe overexpression of TGF-beta in the glomeruli and tubulointerstitium. We demonstrate that short-term treatment of diabetic mice with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against TGF-beta significantly reduces kidney weight and glomerular hypertrophy and attenuates the increase in extracellular matrix mRNAs. Long-term treatment of diabetic mice further improves the renal pathology and also ameliorates the functional abnormalities of diabetic nephropathy. Finally, we provide evidence that the renal TGF-beta system is significantly up-regulated in human diabetes. The kidney of a diabetic patient actually elaborates TGF-beta1 protein into the circulation whereas the kidney of a non-diabetic subject extracts TGF-beta1 from the circulation. The data we review here strongly support the hypothesis that elevated production or activity of the TGF-beta system mediates diabetic renal hypertrophy and extracellular matrix expansion.

Background: Serum leptin levels correlate with fat cell mass and are elevated in patients with massive obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are strong risk factors for the development of glomerulosclerosis. We have previously shown in cultured glomerular endothelial cells that leptin stimulates cellular proliferation and expression of the prosclerotic cytokine transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). Although the effect of leptin on the hypothalamus to regulate energy homeostasis is well known, the effect of leptin on the kidney, and specifically on the glomerular mesangial cell, is unclear., Methods: The obese, diabetic db/db mouse, which lacks the functional full-length Ob-Rb leptin receptor, is a suitable model to assess the effects of hyperleptinemia on peripheral tissues that express other receptor isoforms. The effects of leptin on glucose uptake, the TGF-beta system, and type I collagen production were evaluated in db/db mouse mesangial cells in culture. A phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor was used to assess the role of PI-3K in mediating the effects of leptin., Results: A short form of the leptin receptor (Ob-Ra), but not Ob-Rb, was present by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the kidney and mesangial cells of both nondiabetic db/m and diabetic db/db mice. In db/db mesangial cells, leptin increased 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DOG) uptake dose dependently and stimulated gene expression of TGF-beta type II receptor (TbetaRII) and alpha1(I) collagen, but not TGF-beta1. Protein production of type I collagen (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was also increased by leptin. Both leptin-stimulated 2DOG uptake and type I collagen production were suppressed by a PI-3K inhibitor, LY294002. Mesangial cells pretreated with leptin exhibited increased responsiveness to exogenous TGF-beta1, as evidenced by a greater production of type I collagen protein in leptin-pretreated cells exposed to low-dose TGF-beta1 (0.5 ng/mL). The addition of both TGF-beta1 (2 ng/mL) and leptin (100 ng/mL) increased type I collagen production more than addition of either TGF-beta1 or leptin alone., Conclusions: Leptin increases glucose uptake and type I collagen in db/db mesangial cells through a PI-3K-dependent pathway. We postulate that increased leptin levels may transmit a signal through the short-form leptin receptor to up-regulate TbetaRII and activate the intraglomerular TGF-beta system, which may contribute to the glomerulosclerosis of obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were measured before and after pregnancy in a 1:64 dilution of sera with the direct agglutination test in 1613 ewes from 18 farms in eight different counties of Uruguay from 1992 to 1994. The overall seroprevalence increased from 28.7% before mating to 38.5% after lambing in 2.5 years and thus the incidence was 9.8%. Losses due to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy were estimated to be 1.4-3.9% of the total number of ewes investigated, amounting to approximately US$1.4-4.7 million for the whole country.

Since quantitative and qualitative alterations in plasma lipoproteins may provide insights into mechanism(s) of altered lipid transport in renal failure, whole plasma triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (Chol) concentrations and lipoprotein neutral lipids and composition were examined in patients with chronic renal failure (undialyzed and dialyzed) and following successful renal transplantation. Both uremic groups demonstrated increased TG (p less than 0.001) and normal Chol in whole plasma and increased total TG and Chol in the very low-density lipoprotein fraction (VLDL). All hyperlipidemic subjects showed a Type IV phenotype. The percentage triglyceride in VLDL was slightly higher than control in the dialysis patients, and significantly increased in LDL in both undialyzed (p less than 0.001) and dialyzed (p less than 0.005) uremic groups. Transplant patients had significant increases (p less than 0.001) in both TG and Chol in whole plasma, and increased total TG and Chol in both the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and VLDL fractions. Transplant patients with hyperlipidemia showed a variety of phenotypes and an enrichment of triglyceride in VLDL and LDL. These findings indicate that abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism in renal failure patients are not appreciably affected by chronic dialysis treatment and continue following successful transplantation. The tendency toward increased VLDL and LDL triglyceride content in these patients resembles the lipoprotein neutral lipid composition found in nonrenal patients with similarly elevated plasma lipids. These alterations could result from primary disturbances in VLDL production and/or removal.