Functional Longevity Research Articles

Genetic correlations between longevity and conformation traits in the Czech Holstein population

Genetic correlations between longevity and conformation traits were estimated using data on Czech Holstein cows first calved in the years 1993–2008. Longevity traits considered were length of productive life and number of lactations initiated and their functional equivalents (i.e. the longevity traits corrected for milk production). Conformation traits were twenty one linear descriptive type traits, six composite traits and height at sacrum measured in cm. A possible nonlinear relationship between conformation and longevity traits was also investigated. The heritabilities ranged from 0.05 to 0.43 for conformation traits and from 0.03 to 0.05 for longevity traits. Low to moderate genetic relationships between conformation and longevity traits were found. The genetic correlations were higher for functional longevity than for direct longevity traits. Negative genetic correlations with all longevity traits were found for height at the sacrum, stature, dairy form, body conformation, and capacity. Final score showed weak genetic correlation with all analyzed longevity traits. Positive genetic correlations occurred between feet and legs and direct longevity and functional longevity (0.19, 0.14) and between udder and direct longevity (0.10). Body condition score and angularity showed strong genetic correlations with functional longevity (body condition score 0.30, angularity –0.31). Foot and leg traits showed weak genetic correlations with longevity traits except rear legs set (side view) (–0.24) and hock quality (0.19). The udder traits showed inconsistent and rather weak genetic correlations with longevity traits, with the exception of a stronger genetic correlation between rear udder width and functional longevity (–0.22) and between central ligament and number of lactations (–0.18, –0.19). The teat traits showed always negative genetic correlations with longevity traits. The strongest correlations were found for rear teat position (–0.28) and the weakest for teat length (–0.03). Some conformation traits showed markedly stronger genetic correlations with functional longevity than with direct longevity (rear udder width and rear udder height, dairy form, body condition score, angularity, rear legs set (side view), rear legs rear view). A quadratic relationship between conformation and longevity traits did exist. Even if the linear relationship generally prevailed, the quadratic relationship should be taken into account.  

Stress distribution in dental prosthesis under an occlusal combined dynamic loading

The biomechanical behavior of osseointegrated dental prostheses systems plays an important role in its functional longevity inside the bone. Simulation of these systems requires an accurate modeling of the prosthesis components, the jaw bone, the implant–bone interface, and the response of the system to different types of applied forces. The purpose of this study was to develop a new three-dimensional model of an osseointegrated molar dental prosthesis and to carry out finite element analysis to evaluate stress distributions in the bone and the dental prosthesis compounds under an occlusal combined dynamic load was applied to the top of the occlusale face of the prosthesis crown. The jaw bone model containing cortical bone and cancellous bone was constructed by using computer tomography scan pictures and Computer Aided Design tools. The dental prosthesis compounds were constructed, simulating the commercially available cylindrical implant of 4.8mm diameter and 10mm length. Both finite element models were created in Abaqus finite element software. All materials used in the models were considered to be isotropic, homogeneous and linearly elastic. The elastic properties, loads and constraints used in the model were taken from published data. Results of our finite element analyses, indicated that the maximum stresses were located around the mesial neck of the implant, in the marginal bone. Thus, this area should be preserved clinically in order to maintain the bone–implant interface structurally and functionally.

Toward Efficient Task Management in Wireless Sensor Networks

In numerous applications of wireless sensor networks (WSN), the reliability of the data collected by sensors is cast as specific QoS requirements expressed in terms of the minimum number of sensors needed to perform various tasks. Designing a long-lived sensor network with reliable performance has always been challenging due to the modest nonrenewable energy budget of individual sensors. In such a context, energy-unaware task management protocols may result in uneven expenditure of sensor energy by assigning uneven workloads to sensors. This, in turn, often translates into reduced sensor density around those heavily loaded sensors and may, eventually, lead to the creation of energy holes that partition the network into disconnected islands. To avoid these problems and to promote network longevity, we propose two energy-aware task management protocols: our first protocol is centralized, while the second one is fully distributed. The proposed protocols assign tasks to sensors based on their remaining energy so that energy expenditure among neighboring sensors is almost even. We compare the reliable lifetime of the network achieved by assigning tasks to sensors using the proposed protocols against optimal task assignment and also against energy-unaware protocols. Extensive simulation results have revealed that the performance of the proposed protocols is very close to that of the optimal task assignment. Furthermore, our simulation has shown that the proposed protocols can increase the functional longevity of the network by about 16 percent.

Effect of type traits on functional longevity of Czech Holstein cows estimated from a Cox proportional hazards model

Relationships between conformation traits and functional longevity in Holstein cows were evaluated using survival analysis. Functional longevity was defined as the number of days between the first calving and culling; that is, length of productive life. The data set consisted of 116,369 Holstein cows that first calved from 2003 to 2008. All cows used in the analysis were scored for conformation between d 30 and d 210 of their first lactation. The data included 48% censored records. Analyses were done separately for 20 linear descriptive type traits, 6 composite traits, and height at sacrum measured in centimeters. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to analyze data. The hazard function was described as the product of a baseline hazard function and the time-independent effects of age at first calving and sire (random), and the time-dependent effects of stage of lactation and lactation number, herd, year and season, herd size, and 305-d milk production. The strongest relationship between a composite trait and functional longevity was for dairy form, followed by udder and final score. Among the descriptive type traits, the strongest relationships with longevity were found for body condition score, angularity, traits related to udder attachment, and udder depth. Foot and leg traits showed substantially lower effect on functional longevity, and the effect of foot angle was minimal. Functional longevity declined with decreased body condition score of cows. Cows with deep udders had significantly lower functional survival compared with cows with shallow udders. In addition, weak central ligament was associated with significant reduction of cow longevity. For dairy form and angularity, cows classified as very good were the worst with respect to longevity, whereas cows classified as poor were the best. An intermediate optimum was evident for rear legs rear view and rear legs set (side view), whereas cows with sickled legs had lower longevity than cows with straighter legs.

Advances in Segmental Endoprosthetic Reconstruction for Extremity Tumors: A Review of Contemporary Designs and Techniques

Improved understanding and advances in treatment regimens have led to increased longevity among patients diagnosed with extremity soft tissue sarcomas. Limb salvage techniques and implants have improved and continue to evolve to accommodate the increasing demands and survival of these patients. The current report is a review of the literature for recent advancements in techniques, implant design, and outcomes in the field of limb salvage therapy using segmental megaprostheses for the treatment of extremity sarcomas. We report on our experience in this field utilizing a classification system of failure mechanisms to outline to discuss current controversies in management. Five mechanisms of failure have been identified: soft-tissue failure, aseptic loosening, structural failure, infection, and tumor progression. Infection was the most common mode of failure in our series, accounting for 34% of cases. Soft-tissue failure occurred most commonly in the joints that depend heavily on periarticular muscles and ligaments for stability due to their high degree of functional range of motion. We observed a 28% soft-tissue failure rate about the shoulder and hip, aseptic loosening accounted for 19% of implant failures, and structural failure was seen in 17% of cases. Seventeen percent of cases failed due to tumor progression, an etiology that is defined by biological factors, surgical technique, and adjuvant therapies. Surgical techniques and megaprosthesis designs are constantly changing in order to meet the challenge of increasing functional demands and longevity in this unique patient population. A classification system defined by treatment failure etiologies provides the framework for discussion of current controversies in limb salvage therapy as well as a guide for advancement and potential solutions in this challenging arena.

Glucose Response of Near-Infrared Alginate-Based Microsphere Sensors Under Dynamic Reversible Conditions

Minimally invasive optical glucose biosensors with increased functional longevity form one of the most promising techniques for continuous glucose monitoring, because of their long-term stability, reversibility, repeatability, specificity, and high sensitivity. They are based on the principle of competitive binding and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Moving to the near-infrared region of the spectrum has the potential to improve signal throughput for implanted sensors, but requires a change in dye chemistry that could alter response sensitivity, range, and toxicity profiles. The near-infrared dissolved-core alginate microsphere sensors were fabricated by emulsion followed by surface coating by layer-by-layer self-assembly. The particles were characterized for sensor stability, sensor response, and reversibility in deionized water and simulated interstitial fluid. The sensor response to step changes in bulk glucose concentrations was also evaluated under dynamic conditions using a microflow cell unit. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed with L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines to demonstrate preliminary biocompatibility of the sensors. The glucose sensitivity under controlled and dynamic conditions was observed to be 0.86%/mM glucose with an analytical response range of 0-30 mM glucose, covering both the physiological and pathophysiological range. The sensor demonstrated a repeatable, reversible, and reproducible response, with a maximum response time of 120 s. In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed nearly 95% viability of cells, thereby suggesting that the alginate microsphere sensor system does not exhibit cytotoxicity. The incorporation of near-infrared dyes shows promise in improving sensor response because of their high sensitivity and improved tissue penetration of infrared light. The sensitivity for the sensors was approximately 1.5 times greater than that observed for visible dye sensors, and the new dye chemistry did not significantly alter the biocompatibility of the materials. These findings provide additional support for the potential application of alginate microspheres and similar systems such as "smart-tattoo" glucose sensors.

DNA damage response in adult stem cells: pathways and consequences

In contrast to postmitotic or short-lived somatic cells, tissue-specific stem cells must persist and function throughout life to ensure tissue homeostasis and repair. The enormous functional demands and longevity of stem cells raises the possibility that stem cells might be uniquely equipped to maintain genomic integrity in ways different than somatic cells. Indeed, evidence suggests that stem cell compartments possess unique properties that combine to either limit or, in some instances, accelerate DNA damage accrual.

Regulation of Neutrophil Senescence by MicroRNAs

Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to sites of tissue injury or infection, where they protect against invading pathogens. Neutrophil functions are limited by a process of neutrophil senescence, which renders the cells unable to respond to chemoattractants, carry out respiratory burst, or degranulate. In parallel, aged neutrophils also undergo spontaneous apoptosis, which can be delayed by factors such as GMCSF. This is then followed by their subsequent removal by phagocytic cells such as macrophages, thereby preventing unwanted inflammation and tissue damage. Neutrophils translate mRNA to make new proteins that are important in maintaining functional longevity. We therefore hypothesised that neutrophil functions and lifespan might be regulated by microRNAs expressed within human neutrophils. Total RNA from highly purified neutrophils was prepared and subjected to microarray analysis using the Agilent human miRNA microarray V3. We found human neutrophils expressed a selected repertoire of 148 microRNAs and that 6 of these were significantly upregulated after a period of 4 hours in culture, at a time when the contribution of apoptosis is negligible. A list of predicted targets for these 6 microRNAs was generated from http://mirecords.biolead.org and compared to mRNA species downregulated over time, revealing 83 genes targeted by at least 2 out of the 6 regulated microRNAs. Pathway analysis of genes containing binding sites for these microRNAs identified the following pathways: chemokine and cytokine signalling, Ras pathway, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Our data suggest that microRNAs may play a role in the regulation of neutrophil senescence and further suggest that manipulation of microRNAs might represent an area of future therapeutic interest for the treatment of inflammatory disease.

Evaluating markers in selected genes for association with functional longevity of dairy cattle

BackgroundLongevity expressed as the number of days between birth and death is a trait of great importance for both human and animal populations. In our analysis we use dairy cattle to demonstrate how the association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) located within selected genes with longevity can be modeled. Such an approach can be extended to any genotyped population with time to endpoint information available. Our study is focused on selected genes in order to answer the question whether genes, known to be involved into the physiological determination of milk production, also influence individual's survival.ResultsGenerally, the highest risk differences among animals with different genotypes are observed for polymorphisms located within the leptin gene. The polymorphism with a highest effect on functional longevity is LEP-R25C, for which the relative risk of culling for cows with genotype CC is 3.14 times higher than for the heterozygous animals. Apart from LEP-R25C, also FF homozygotes at the LEP-Y7F substitution attribute 3.64 times higher risk of culling than the YY homozygotes and VV homozygotes at LEP-A80V have 1.83 times higher risk of culling than AA homozygotes. Differences in risks between genotypes of polymorphisms within the other genes (the butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1 gene, BTN1A1; the acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 gene, DGAT1; the leptin receptor gene, LEPR; the ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2, ABCG2) are much smaller.ConclusionsOur results indicate association between LEP and longevity and are very well supported by results of other studies related to dairy cattle. In view of the growing importance of functional traits in dairy cattle, LEP polymorphisms should be considered as markers supporting selection decisions. Furthermore, since the relationship between both LEP polymorphism and its protein product with longevity in humans is well documented, with our result we were able to demonstrate that livestock with its detailed records of family structure, genetic, and environmental factors as well as extensive trait recording can be a good model organism for research aspects related to humans.

Fracture Characteristics of Dental Ceramic Crown according to Zirconia Coping Design

Fracture characteristics of the ceramic crown according to the zirconia coping design have been researched using various experimental methods. The 3D contour dimension of a mandibular first molar acrylic model tooth was scanned with Optical scanner (S600, Zirkonzahn, Italy), and then a classic crown preparation was created in CAD software (Zirkonzahn.Modellier, Zirkonzahn, Italy). The CAD file of the prepared tooth was imported into a milling machine, and acrylic resin (PMMA) dies were generated. Four different coping designs based on the thickness of zirconia marginal collar were used: 0.0mm zirconia collar (Group1), 0.5mm (Group2), 1.0mm (Group3), and 2.0mm (Group4). Copings were fabricated with CAD/CAM System (CAD CAM M5, Zirkonzahn, Italy) and veneering porcelain (IPS e.max Ceram) was build-up with layering technique. All the samples were cemented (RelyX Unicem, 3M/ESPE) onto corresponding dies. All specimens were tested in 4 groups (n=10 for each group) based on the thickness of zirconia collar. Fracture load test was performed on eight crowns from each group, and the remaining crowns (n=2) were subjected to fatigue test. Fracture strength was tested with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0mm/min to the vertical axis of the tooth 0.5mm lingually down the mesio-distal cusp. For the testing of fatigue failure, specimens were subjected to 50,000 cycles of cyclic loading 200N, at a rate of 15Hz and then loaded dynamically at a crosshead speed of 1.0mm/min, until failure. Fracture location and fracture surface of failed crowns were observed with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM S-4800, Hitachi, Japan). Mean of fracture strength values of veneering porcelain were: 1411N for Group1, 1428N for Group2, 1596N for Group3 and 1621N for Group4. And according to increasing of thickness on zirconia collar, zirconia coping showed more fracture strength value with increasing of fracture strength of porcelain veneered it up. And examined using FE-SEM, two interesting features were shown from the fracture surface, sudden fracture and gradual fracture. And failure of specimens was mainly occurred by crack growth initiated from porosities within the veneering porcelain. In conclusion, according to the fracture test, the more thickness of zirconia collar, the higher fracture strength of veneering porcelain. Thus, zirconia coping design with 2.0mm marginal collar width is recommended for both functional longevity and esthetics of zirconia-ceramic restoration.

“Smart Tattoo” Glucose Biosensors and Effect of Coencapsulated Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Minimally invasive glucose biosensors with increased functional longevity form one of the most promising techniques for continuous glucose monitoring. In the present study, we developed a novel nanoengineered microsphere formulation comprising alginate microsphere glucose sensors and anti-inflammatory-drug-loaded alginate microspheres. The formulation was prepared and characterized for size, shape, in vitro drug release, biocompatibility, and in vivo acceptability. Glucose oxidase (GOx)- and Apo-GOx-based glucose sensors were prepared and characterized. Sensing was performed both in distilled water and simulated interstitial body fluid. Layer-by-layer self-assembly techniques were used for preventing drug and sensing chemistry release. Finally, in vivo studies, involving histopathologic examination of subcutaneous tissue surrounding the implanted sensors using Sprague-Dawley rats, were performed to test the suppression of inflammation and fibrosis associated with glucose sensor implantation. The drug formulation showed 100% drug release with in 30 days with zero-order release kinetics. The GOx-based sensors showed good enzyme retention and enzyme activity over a period of 1 month. Apo-GOx-based visible and near-infrared sensors showed good sensitivity and analytical response range of 0-50 mM glucose, with linear range up to 12 mM glucose concentration. In vitro cell line studies proved biocompatibility of the material used. Finally, both anti-inflammatory drugs were successful in controlling the implant-tissue interface by suppressing inflammation at the implant site. The incorporation of anti-inflammatory drug with glucose biosensors shows promise in improving sensor biocompatibility, thereby suggesting potential application of alginate microspheres as "smart tattoo" glucose sensors with increased functional longevity.

PTPN22 1858C>T (R620W) functional polymorphism and human longevity

The PTPN22 gene, located on chromosome 1p13, encoding lymphoid protein tyrosine phosphatase (LYP), plays a crucial role in the negative control of T lymphocyte activation. Since the age-related change in T-cell signal transduction may be one of the most important causes of cell-mediated immune response decline with ageing, we performed a population-based association study to test whether the PTPN22 1858C>T (R620W) functional polymorphism affects the ability to survive to old age and to reach even exceptional life expectancy. 892 unrelated healthy individuals (age range 8-106years, 403 males and 489 females) from central Italy were studied. For both gender, the frequency of PTPN22*T1858 carriers does not differ significantly in nona/centenarians and in octogenarians respect to young group. Allele and genotype frequencies of age groups were compared to those reported in previously published studied carried out on control individuals with Italic ancestry (N=1393), further confirming results obtained from our sample population. Overall, our study suggests that PTPN22*T1858 allele is not negatively selected at oldest ages and we speculate that its increased ability to protect individuals against development of infectious diseases may counteract its deleterious effect on immune system leading to autoimmunity.

The Effect of Framework Design on Stress Distribution in Implant-Supported FPDs: A 3-D FEM Study

The biomechanical behavior of the superstructure plays an important role in the functional longevity of dental implants. However, information about the influence of framework design on stresses transmitted to the implants and supporting tissues is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of framework designs on stress distribution at the supporting bone and supporting implants. In this study, the three-dimensional (3D) finite element stress analysis method was used. Three types of 3D mathematical models simulating three different framework designs for implant-supported 3-unit posterior fixed partial dentures were prepared with supporting structures. Convex (1), concave (2), and conventional (3) pontic framework designs were simulated. A 300-N static vertical occlusal load was applied on the node at the center of occlusal surface of the pontic to calculate the stress distributions. As a second condition, frameworks were directly loaded to evaluate the effect of the framework design clearly. The Solidworks/Cosmosworks structural analysis programs were used for finite element modeling/analysis. The analysis of the von Mises stress values revealed that maximum stress concentrations were located at the loading areas for all models. The pontic side marginal edges of restorations and the necks of implants were other stress concentration regions. There was no clear difference among models when the restorations were loaded at occlusal surfaces. When the veneering porcelain was removed, and load was applied directly to the framework, there was a clear increase in stress concentration with a concave design on supporting implants and bone structure. The present study showed that the use of a concave design in the pontic frameworks of fixed partial dentures increases the von Mises stress levels on implant abutments and supporting bone structure. However, the veneering porcelain element reduces the effect of the framework and compensates for design weaknesses.

Distinct Cell Death Programs in Monocytes Regulate Innate Responses Following Challenge with Common Causes of Invasive Bacterial Disease

Peripheral blood monocytes represent the rapid response component of mononuclear phagocyte host defense, generating vigorous but finite antibacterial responses. We investigated the fate of highly purified primary human monocytes following phagocytosis of different bacteria. Exposure to high bacterial loads resulted in rapid loss of cell viability and decreased functional competence. Cell death typically involved classical apoptosis. Exposure to high numbers of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae induced nonapoptotic death with loss of cell membrane integrity, marked disruption of phagolysosomes, and caspase-1 activation, while a subset of cells also released caspase-1-regulated extracellular traps. Classical apoptosis increased if extracellular bacterial replication was reduced and decreased if intracellular ATP levels were reduced during these infections. Both classical apoptosis and the alternative forms of cell death allowed monocytes, whose functional competence was exhausted, to downregulate reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine responses. In contrast, sustained stimulation of glycolytic metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, with associated hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha upregulation, maintained intracellular ATP levels and prolonged monocyte functional longevity, as assessed by maintenance of phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production, and proinflammatory cytokine generation. Monocyte innate responses to bacteria are short-lived and are limited by an intrinsic program of apoptosis, a response that is subverted by overwhelming infection with E. coli and K. pneumoniae or bacterial stimulation of cell metabolism. In this regard, the fate of monocytes following bacterial challenge more closely resembles neutrophils than macrophages.

Analysis of the relationship between workability traits and functional longevity in Canadian dairy breeds

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of workability traits like milking speed and temperament on functional longevity of Canadian dairy cattle using a Weibull proportional hazards model. First-lactation data consisted of the following: 1,728,289 and 2,426,123 Holstein cows for milking temperament and milking speed, respectively, from 18,401 herds and sired by 8,248 sires; 39,618 and 60,121 Jersey cows for milking temperament and milking speed, respectively, from 1,845 herds and sired by 2,413 sires; and 54,391 and 94,847 Ayrshire cows for milking temperament and milking speed, respectively, from 1,316 herds and sired by 2,779 sires. Functional longevity was defined as the number of days from the first calving to culling, death, or censoring adjusted for production. Milking temperament and milking speed were recorded on a 1- to 5-point scale from very nervous to very calm and from very slow to very fast, respectively. The statistical model included the effects of stage of lactation; season of production; the annual change in herd size; type of milk recording supervision; age at first calving; effects of milk, fat, and protein yields calculated as within herd-year-parity deviations; herd-year-season of calving; sire; and milking temperament or milking speed class. The relative culling rate was calculated for animals in each milking temperament or milking speed class after accounting for the above-mentioned effects. The study showed that there was a statistically significant association between workability traits and functional longevity. Very nervous cows were 26, 23, and 46% more likely to be culled than very calm cows in Holstein, Ayrshire, and Jersey breeds, respectively. Similarly, very slow milkers were 36, 33, and 28% more likely to be culled than average milkers in Holstein, Ayrshire, and Jersey breeds, respectively. Additionally, very fast milkers were 11, 13, and 15% more likely to be culled than average milkers in Holstein, Ayrshire, and Jersey breeds, respectively. Producers might want to avoid consequences associated with the fast milkers such as udder health problems.

Study on functional longevity of Tunisian Holstein dairy cattle using a Weibull proportional hazard model

Records of functional longevity (FL), from first calving to last recording (or culling), of 36,888 Tunisian Holstein cows in 169 herds were studied using survival analysis. Using a Weibull proportional hazard model, the influences of age at first calving, herd–year–season, lactation number–stage of lactation, milk production within the herd and year, annual change in herd size and random genetic effect of sire on FL were studied. Besides a random time-dependent effect of herd–year–season, the model included fixed effects of parity and stage of lactation, within herd and parity production level (all time-dependent), and age at first calving (time-independent). All factors had a significant effect on FL at a level of P < 0.001. Milk yield was by far the most important factor influencing FL and the hazard increased as the milk production decreased. Within the first three lactations, the relative culling risk increased stepwise with lactation stage. The highest risk of culling was found for cows at the beginning and at the end of the first lactation and at the end of any other lactation. The risk of culling decreased with parity.

Calcium Phosphate Cement Chamber as an Immunoisolative Device for Bioartificial Pancreas

This study examined a calcium phosphate cement (CPC) chamber as an immunoisolative device to facilitate the use of xenogeneic cell sources without immunosuppression for the bioartificial pancreas (BAP). Mouse insulinoma cells were encapsulated in agarose gel and then enclosed in a CPC chamber to create a BAP. Bioartificial pancreas were evaluated by cell viability, live-dead cell ratio, and cytokine-mediated cytotoxicity assay and implanted into the peritoneal cavity of diabetic rats. Nonfasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels were analyzed perioperatively; BAPs were also retrieved for histological examination. Insulinoma cells enclosed in the CPC chamber had normal viability, cell survival, and insulin secretion that was even cultured in media with cytokines. The nonfasting blood glucose level of rats was decreased from 460 +/- 50 to 132 +/- 43 mg/dL and maintained euglycemia for 22 days; serum insulin level was increased from 0.34 +/- 0.11 to 1.43 +/- 0.30 microg/dL after operation. Histological examination revealed the fibrous tissue envelopment, and immune-related cells that competed for oxygen resulting in hypoxia could be attributed to the dysfunction of BAPs. This study proved the feasibility for using a CPC chamber as an immunoisolative device for the BAP. An alternative implanted site should be considered to extend the functional longevity of BAPs in further study.

Microstructural simulations of the bone surrounding dental implants by means of a stochastically generated frame model

The biomechanical behaviour of a dental implant plays an important role in its functional longevity inside the bone. Occlusal forces affect the bone surrounding an oral implant. To avoid fracture and bone resorption – by achieving the most even stress distribution in the bone – implants should be applied that transfer occlusal forces to the bone within physiologic limits with geometry capable to enhance bone formation. The following study deals with the trabecular bone substance especially surrounding dental implants considering the microscopic conformation of the bone. The dental surgical use of a formerly developed stochastically generated frame model of the trabecular bone is introduced, which is created by interlinking a stochastically generated set of nodes in a certain domain, according to a previously defi ned linking-rule. The finite element model possesses the geometrical and mechanical microstructural properties – obtained from literature – of the trabecular bone substance of an average man from the edentulous mandibular region. The fi nite element beam model was submitted to compression, shear and torsion tests, and the macro-structural elastic properties were computed from the result data obtained by means of fi nite element analysis. The thus received frame model was combined with the finite element model of the cortical bone layer in the mandible (lower jaw bone) and a dental implant, where the incompleteness of the bone-implant interface was taken into account. DOI: 10.17489/biohun/2010/1/17

Use of palm-mat geotextiles for rainsplash erosion control

Soil detachment by raindrop action (rainsplash erosion) is a very important subprocess of erosion by water. It is a particular problem in the UK as most soils are sandy or loamy sand in texture and lands have gentle to medium slope. However, few studies report potential rainsplash erosion control options under field conditions. Hence, the utilization of palm-mat geotextiles as a rainsplash erosion control technique was investigated at Hilton, east Shropshire, U.K. (52°33′5.7″ N, 2°19′18.3″ W). Geotextile-mats constructed from Borassus aethiopum (Borassus palm of West Africa) and Mauritia flexuosa (Buriti palm of South America) leaves are termed Borassus mats and Buriti mats, respectively. Two-year field experiments were conducted at Hilton to study the effects of emplacing Borassus and Buriti mats on rainsplash erosion of a loamy sand soil. Two sets (12 plots each) of experiments were established to study the effects of these mats on splash height and splash erosion. Splash height needs to be known to assess the transport mechanism of major soil fraction and its constituents on sloping land by rainsplash. In both sets, six randomly-selected plots were covered with mats, and the rest were bare. Results (during 22/01/2007‒23/01/2009; total precipitation = 1731.5 mm) show that Borassus mat-covered plots had ∼ 89% ( P < 0.001) less total splash erosion (2.97 kg m − 2 ) than bare plots (27.02 kg m − 2 ). Comparatively, mean splash height from Borassus mat-covered plots (0.12 m) was significantly ( P < 0.001) less than the bare plots, by ∼ 54%. However, Buriti mat-cover on bare plots had no significant ( P > 0.05) effect in rainsplash erosion control during that period, although plots with Buriti mats significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased splash height (by ∼ 18%) compared with bare plots (0.26 m). Buriti mats, probably due to their ∼ 43, 62 and 50% lower cover percentage (44%), mass per unit area (413 g − 2 ) and thickness (10 mm), respectively, compared with Borassus mats, were not effective in rainsplash erosion control. Both mats did not significantly ( P > 0.05) improve selected soil properties (i.e., soil organic matter, particle size distribution, aggregate stability and total soil carbon) as soil organic matter (SOM) input from mat-decomposition was much less than total SOM content. However, the changes in fine and medium sand contents (after 2 years) in the Borassus covered plots were significantly ( P < 0.05; n = 6) related to the total rainsplash erosion during 2007‒2009. Emplacement of Borassus and Buriti mats on bare soils did not decrease SOM contents after 2 years, indicating that improvements in some soil properties might occur over longer durations. After ∼ 10 months, Buriti mats lost ∼ 70% of their initial weight ( P < 0.001) and their initial cover percentage ( C, %) decreased drastically ( P < 0.05); whereas, Borassus mats maintained similar C to the initial condition, although mass per unit area decreased by ∼ 20% ( P < 0.05). Moreover, the functional longevity of Borassus mats was ∼ 2 years against only 1 year for Buriti mats. Hence, use of Borassus mats is highly effective for rainsplash erosion control in the UK.

Genetic Parameters for Functional Longevity, Type Traits, Somatic Cell Scores, Milk Flow and Production in the Italian Brown Swiss

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for a set of new traits and to update values for production and morphological traits to be used in the selection index of Italian Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Longevity, milking speed and somatic cell scores (SCS) were considered for inclusion in the selection index, and (co)variances with all traits of the selection index were estimated. SCS was considered on a lactation basis while milk flow, the amount of milk (kg) released per time unit (minute), was measured with a flowmeter. Cow functional longevity was the total herd life corrected for the production level. A total of 127,416 first lactation records of cows calving from 1985 to 2003 were considered. In order to maximize the number of records available for each combination of traits, 9 data sets were created. Estimates were obtained from multivariate linear sire models with equal design matrix in subsequent separated analysis. REML algorithms and canonical transformation were used to calculate (co)variance estimates among all traits: functional longevity, milking speed, SCS, 5 production traits (milk, fat and protein yield, fat and protein percent), and 19 type traits. Heritabilities estimated were 0.14±0.02 for SCS, 0.33±0.07 for milk flow, and 0.04±0.01 for functional longevity. Genetic correlation values between SCS and milk yield, fat percent and protein percent were 0.18±0.09, −0.19±0.08, and −0.22±0.08, respectively. Functional longevity had a strong positive genetic correlation with udder depth (0.42±0.10) but a negative correlation with rear leg set (−0.56±0.10). Milk flow was positively correlated with most of the production measures: 0.30±0.18 with milk yield, 0.24±0.17 with fat yields, 0.16±0.20 with protein yield. Additionally, milk flow was genetically correlated with some type traits (0.53±0.14 rear udder width, 0.40±0.16 hock quality, 0.32±0.15 rump angle, −0.25±0.19 udder depth). The correlation between SCS and milk flow showed a value of 0.46±0.26, indicating that faster cows are more susceptible to mastitis.