Index Of Infiltration Research Articles

Postoperative residual pain is associated with a high magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based signal intensity of the repaired supraspinatus tendon.

To assess patients with and without postoperative residual pain and to compare clinical function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the repaired supraspinatus tendon between patients with and without pain. One-hundred and seventeen patients with supraspinatustear were included in this study. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain were assessed at a follow-up of at least 1 year. Patients with residual shoulder pain were enrolled in the residual pain group (RP group) and patients without pain enrolled in the no pain group (NP group). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder evaluation form, the modified University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score and the Fudan University Shoulder Score (FUSS) were also used to evaluate shoulder function. MRIexaminations were performed to evaluate rotator cuff integrity according to the Sugaya method, and muscular hypotrophy, fatty infiltration, and signal/noise quotient (SNQ) of the rotator cuff tendon. Thirty-five patients had residual pain (RP group) and 82 patients had no pain (NR group). At the final follow-up, there was a significant difference in ASES (92 ± 8 points vs 76 ± 10 points; p < 0.001), UCLA (32 ± 3 points vs 28 ± 3 points; p < 0.001), FUSS (90 ± 7 points vs 80 ± 9 points; p < 0.001) and strength (9 ± 3kg vs 6 ± 2kg; p < 0.001) between the NP group and the RP group, respectively. Postoperative MRI revealed that there was no significant difference in the retear rate (9.8% vs 8.6%; ns), the muscular hypotrophy (ns), and the fatty infiltration index (0.9 ± 0.2 vs 0.9 ± 0.2; ns) between the NP and the RP groups, respectively. The postoperative tendon SNQ of the RP group was significantly higher than that of the NP group (4.6 ± 2.5 vs 3 ± 1.7; p < 0.001). There was a significant association between tendon SNQ and VAS for this cohort ([Formula: see text] = 0.29; p = 0.003). Postoperative residual pain is associated with a high MRI signal intensity of the repaired supraspinatus tendon. Since high signal intensity of tendon tissue indicates degenerated tendon tissue quality, it highlighted the necessity of debriding the degenerated rotator cuff tendon tissue. III.

Abstract 187: Trastuzumab induced myeloid cell alterations identifies mechanistic properties of vascular normalization

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study is to quantify longitudinal changes in myeloid cell infiltration after trastuzumab treatment to reveal mechanistic properties of improved tumor vascularization in human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer. We have previously presented in vivo data showing that trastuzumab increases vascular maturation leading to better delivery of therapeutics. The balance of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can impact neovascularization. Specifically, M2 macrophages (MACs) promote angiogenesis causing irregular vascularization and M1 MACs exhibit anti-angiogenic properties counteracting the M2 cells and improving tumor perfusion. We present results revealing macrophage polarization towards an M1 phenotype after trastuzumab therapy in HER2+ tumors. Experimental Design: 107 BT474 breast cancer cells were implanted subcutaneously into athymic nude mice. After tumors reached 250 mm3, mice were treated with trastuzumab (10 mg/kg) or saline over one week and were excised for analysis on days 0, 4 and 7. Half of each tumor was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of the TME and half was digested for analysis of myeloid cell infiltration with flow cytometry. The flow cytometry panel used consists of ten markers, two specifically for the identification of M1 and M2 MACs; CD38, and CD206, respectively. A non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to determine statistical differences between control and treated groups. Results and Discussion: Initial studies revealed an increase (P = 0.03) of MACs in day 4 and day 7 treated tumors. Of these MACs, there was an increase (P = 0.03) in co-expression of M2 and M1 phenotype markers CD206 and CD38 in day 4 treated tumors indicating a phenotypic switch occurring. After a third dose of trastuzumab, there was an increase (P = 0.03) in M1 MACs (CD38+/CD206-) in day 7 treated tumors. In day 4 and 7 treated tumors, there was a decrease (P = 0.02) in non-differentiated MACs (CD38-/CD206-) supporting evidence that a phenotypic switch is occurring. Ongoing studies are evaluating spatial variations in MAC infiltration (CD206, F4/80), hypoxia (pimonidazole), and vascular maturation index (ratio of alpha-smooth muscle actin to total vessel counts as stained with CD31) through IHC. Cytokine detection assays are being done to evaluate changes in cytokines contributing to macrophage polarization and angiogenesis. Conclusion: These results offer strong evidence supporting the hypothesis that MACs in the TME are switching to an M1 phenotype after trastuzumab treatment and contributing to trastuzumab induced vascular alterations. Analyses of IHC will validate vascular changes occurring simultaneously with myeloid infiltratration. Citation Format: Meghan J. Bloom, Angela M. Jarrett, Todd A. Triplett, Anum K. Syed, Thomas E. Yankeelov, Anna G. Sorace. Trastuzumab induced myeloid cell alterations identifies mechanistic properties of vascular normalization [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 187.

Cathelicidin- derived PR39 protects enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 challenged mice by improving epithelial function and balancing the microbiota in the intestine

The zoonotic enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 can disrupt intestinal epithelial barrier function and in turn leading to serious intestinal and systemic disease. PR39 could effectively inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, but there is little knowledge of its effects on intestinal barrier function and the microbiota in E. coli-challenged mice. In this study, an intestinal disease caused by EHEC O157:H7 was established, to analyze the effect of PR39 on EHEC O157:H7 induced intestinal epithelial barrier injury and disorder. Interestingly, PR39 attenuated EHEC O157:H7-induced systemic symptoms and significantly decreased mortality and the degree of E. coli shedding in faeces. Furthermore, the infiltration index of macrophages and neutrophils in intestine of the PR39 treatment group were obviously attenuated, along with the level of apoptosis. PR39 treatment group had distinctly improved tight junction associated proteins’ expression after EHEC O157:H7 caused injury. Additionally, the sequencing analysis of cecum microbiota showed that PR39 altered the abnormal increase in Bacteroides caused by EHEC O157:H7 and promoted the growth of probiotics such as Lactobacillus. In conclusion, cathelicidin-derived PR39 could effectively improve EHEC O157:H7-induced epithelial barrier injury, and dysfunction of immune and microbiota homeostasis in the intestinal tract, indicating that PR39 could be an excellent potential drug for zoonotic EHEC O157:H7-related intestinal disease.

Diagnostic and treatment algorithm for different phenotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) may vary in clinical manifestations and can often be associated with a number of comorbid diseases. For a practitioner it is important to forecast the development of the disease, evaluate the risk of relapse and select the most efficient method of treatment in each clinical case. At present, there are no standardized and validated diagnostic biomarkers that could be used as predictors of CRSwNP clinical course. Purpose of the study: to develop diagnostic and treatment algorithm for varies CRSwNP phenotypes based on clinical and laboratory parameters. Materials and methods, CRSwNP patients were split into 3 groups: group 1 - CRSwNP without allergy and asthma; group 2 - CRSwNP with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma; group 3 - CRSwNP with non-allergic asthma. All patients were subjected to nasal cavity endoscopy and nasal polyps biopsy, allergological examination, histological analysis of polyp stroma to detect the leukocytes infiltration and eosinophil-neutrophil index (ENI). Results, CRSwNP phenotypes show significant difference in clinical manifestations of rhinosinusitis (p

Histopathological and Clinical Differences Between Primary Breast Carcinomas With Neuroendocrine Features and Primary Breast Carcinomas Mimicking Neuroendocrine Features

We aimed to determine the histopathological differences between primary breast carcinomas with neuroendocrine features (NEBC) and carcinomas mimicking neuroendocrine features (NEBC-like). Twenty-three cases with NEBC, all showing positive staining for synaptophysin and/or chromogranin-A in ≥50% of tumor cells and 36 cases with NEBC-like (no staining for neuroendocrine [NE] markers but suspicious for NE morphology in terms of solid/trabecular growth patterns) were included in the study. Significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the patients' ages, histologic/nuclear grade of tumor, lymphovascular invasion, comedo-type ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), microcalcification, Ki-67 proliferation index, nuclear shape, and level of peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration. The presence of large-size solid cohesive groups of tumor cells; plasmocytoid, spindle, and/or columnar shapes of tumor cells; and eosinophilic-granular appearance of cytoplasm were mostly noted in the NEBC group. The presence of small- to medium-sized solid cohesive groups of tumor cells; high-grade histologic and nuclear features; clear cytoplasm; and round to ovoid nucleus were mostly noted in the NEBC-like group. No significant differences were found in terms of tumor size, ER/PR/HER2 status, as well as the presence of DCIS, elastosis, extracellular/intracellular mucin, signet ring cells, apocrine features, and accompanying papilloma or ductal ectasia. In conclusion, small- to medium-sized solid cohesive groups of tumor cells, high-grade features, clear cytoplasm, round to ovoid shape of nucleus, lymphovascular invasion, comedo-type DCIS, microcalcification, high level of Ki-67 proliferation index (≥20%), and moderate/strong level of peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration might support non-NE features in breast carcinomas.

Ecohydrological function of vegetation patches in semi-arid shrublands of central Mexico

Vegetation patterns in arid and semi-arid regions create source–sink systems with vegetated patches capturing the resources produced by inter-patches. Patches and inter-patches are the fundamental hydrological units, and their properties can be scaled up to describe ecohydrological functioning at the hillslope or catchment levels. The objective was to compare ecohydrological properties at the patch level in relation to ground cover and at the vegetation type level using landscape function analysis (LFA). Runoff and sediment production were measured in vegetation types of rosetophilous desert shrubland, microphyllous desert shrubland, and crassicaulescent shrubland. Inter-patches (cover = 12.54% ± 2.35% SE) had the highest runoff rates and sediment production, while medium coverage patches (cover = 43.68% ± 2.37% SE) and dense cover patches (cover = 83.56% ± 2.48% SE) produced less runoff and sediments. Runoff, sediments and landscape organization were similar between vegetation types. High litter and stone fragment cover and low soil bulk density were associated with low runoff and sediment production. The LFA infiltration and stability indices explained 10 and 19% of the variability of infiltration and sediment production, respectively. Our results show that vegetation types function similarly, but the hydrological and erosional responses of patches and inter-patches are fundamental to supporting ecohydrologically-based management and restoration plans.

Hydrological modeling and field validation of a bioretention basin

An emerging green infrastructure, the bioretention basin, has been deployed world-wide to reduce peak flows, encourage infiltration, and treat pollutants. However, inadequate design of a basin impairs its treatment potential and necessitates the development and validation of a suitable hydrological model for design and analysis of bioretention basins. In this study, an existing numerical model, RECHARGE, has been adopted to simulate hydrological performance of a basin in the tropical climate of Singapore over a half year that included 80 storm events. Comparison of the model predictions with field observations shows that RECHARGE successfully simulates the basin hydrology of 80 events of varying rainfall characteristics with mass balance error of 5.1 ± 7.5% per event and 0.3% overall. Using the verified model, we develop new design curves that predict bioretention basin performance as a function of three basin design parameters: detention depth; ratio of drainage basin area to bioretention area; and saturated hydraulic conductivity of the basin soil media. We evaluate basin performance in terms of the percentage of water that infiltrates and is treated in the subsurface portion of the basin and define an infiltration index to measure the change in infiltrated percentage caused by unit change in the basin design parameters. The marginal improvement in basin performance drops significantly when the basin depth (hd) is increased above 40 cm, when the ratio of drainage area to bioretention area (R) is decreased below 20, or when the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is increased above 10 cm/h.

Oral Administration of Bovine Lactoferrin-Derived Lactoferricin (Lfcin) B Could Attenuate Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Induced Intestinal Disease through Improving Intestinal Barrier Function and Microbiota.

Lactoferricin (Lfcin) B, derived from lactoferrin in whey, has attracted considerable attention because of its multiple biological functions. Zoonotic enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 has adverse effects on intestinal epithelial barrier function, leading to serious intestinal disease. In this study, the EHEC O157:H7-induced intestinal dysfunction model was developed to investigate the effects of Lfcin B on EHEC O157:H7-induced epithelial barrier disruption and microbiota dysbiosis. Results showed that the inflammatory infiltration indexes in the jejunum of Lfcin B-treated animals were significantly decreased. Lfcin B administration also significantly improved ZO-1 and occludin expression following O157:H7-induced injury. Finally, microbiota analysis of the cecal samples revealed that Lfcin B inhibited the O157:H7-induced abnormal increase in Bacteroides. Therefore, Lfcin B efficiently attenuated O157:H7-induced epithelial barrier damage and dysregulation of inflammation status, while maintaining microbiota homeostasis in the intestine, indicating that it may be an excellent food source for prevention and therapy of EHEC O157:H7-related intestinal dysfunction.

Assessing the impacts of land use and land cover changes on soil functions using landscape function analysis and soil quality indicators in semi-arid natural ecosystems

Assessing soil quality indicators is essential for ecosystem function evaluation. This study aimed to compare soil quality indicators of semi-arid forests and rangelands with different condition classes using direct soil quality indicators and landscape function analysis (LFA). Vegetation and soil properties were studied in three forest sites with different densities and 16 rangeland sites. A total of 72 soil samples were collected from various land use/cover types and their physical and chemical properties were measured. Eleven soil quality indicators were assessed from each patch and inter-patch zone along the established transects in each land use/cover type to obtain three functional indices including soil stability, infiltration, and nutrient cycling. The accuracy of the stability and infiltration indices of the LFA was verified by their correlations with some soil quality indicators. The results revealed a similar trend in soil quality indicators among the land use/cover types indicating that soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate soil organic matters (POM), mean weight diameter (MWD), soil stability index (SSI), and macronutrients had more appropriate conditions in rangelands with good conditions and dense forest sites compared to other land uses/covers. The soils in rangelands with poor conditions and sparse forests required substantial input of organic carbon to achieve an appropriate level of soil quality. The results highlighted the importance of SOC, POM, and soil texture for the prediction of aggregate stability in the region. The regression model showed a significant relationship between MWD and SSI. Moreover, nitrogen and SOC had significant relations with nutrient cycling and the relation between water dispersible clay and infiltration index was also significant (p < 0.01). The methods used in this study underscored the importance of conserving natural ecosystems. These methods can be implemented for assessing other semi-arid ecosystems. Holistic land management is required to conserve natural and productive ecosystems and to prevent soil degradation.

Abstract P4-06-17: Investigating trastuzumab-induced myeloid cell alterations for improving combination therapy in HER2+ breast cancer

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study is to identify temporal changes in the identity and cellularity of myeloid cells infiltrating human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer following trastuzumab therapy. Trastuzumab is a targeted therapy used in combination with cytotoxic therapies to treat HER2+ breast cancer. Previous data shows that in HER2+ tumors, trastuzumab increases vascular maturation and decreases hypoxia, both of which can sensitize tumors to cytotoxic therapies. Preliminary immunofluorescent data reveals a significant increase in the amount of myeloid cell infiltrates in trastuzumab treated tumors during the same temporal window as vascular and hypoxia alterations. The balance of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can impact neovascularization, hypoxia, and tumor progression. Thus, we hypothesize that quantifying immune modulation following trastuzumab treatment will identify mechanistic properties of trastuzumab induced vascular alterations in the TME. We present results identifying an increase in various myeloid infiltrates between control and trastuzumab treated tumors in HER2+ breast cancer. Experimental Design: BT474 HER2+ breast cancer cells were implanted subcutaneously into athymic nude mice. After reaching 250 mm3, tumors were treated with trastuzumab (10 mg/kg) or saline for one week and were excised for analysis on days 0, 4, and 7. Each tumor was cut at the largest cross-section; half was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for immunohistochemistry staining of TME markers (pimonidazole, CD11c, F4/80, CD31, and alpha-SMA), and half was digested for single cell analysis using flow cytometry. Data was analyzed with FlowJo software. Distinct populations of myeloid cells have been quantified in day 4 control (n = 6) and trastuzumab treated (n = 4) tumors. A non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to determine statistical differences. Results and Discussion: Flow analysis revealed a significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) increase of macrophages in tumors treated with trastuzumab for 4 days compared to control tumors. Spatial immunofluorescent data confirms these findings showing a significant increase in macrophage populations, indicated with increased CD11c+ and F4/80+ co-staining in day 4 treated tumors compared to control (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Additionally, flow cytometry results show a significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) increase in neutrophils in day 4 trastuzumab treated tumors compared to control tumors. Ongoing studies are evaluating spatial variations in myeloid infiltration (CD11c, F4/80), hypoxia (pimonidazole), and vascular maturation index (ratio of alpha-smooth muscle actin to total CD31 stained vessel count) through immunohistochemistry as well as comparing myeloid infiltration in trastuzumab-treated and control mice on day 7. Conclusion: Quantifying trastuzumab induced immune-modulation will provide mechanistic insight into how trastuzumab alters the TME and improves tumor sensitivity to treatment. This information will be of great importance to identifying optimal windows to administer combination therapies as well as in the development of novel immunotherapies in breast cancer. We acknowledge the support of CPRIT RR160005, NCI R01CA186193, and ACS RSG-18-006-01-CCE. Citation Format: Bloom MJ, Jarrett AM, Triplett TA, Syed AK, Yankeelov TE, Sorace AG. Investigating trastuzumab-induced myeloid cell alterations for improving combination therapy in HER2+ breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-06-17.

The circular RNome of primary breast cancer.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of RNAs that is under increasing scrutiny, although their functional roles are debated. We analyzed RNA-seq data of 348 primary breast cancers and developed a method to identify circRNAs that does not rely on unmapped reads or known splice junctions. We identified 95,843 circRNAs, of which 20,441 were found recurrently. Of the circRNAs that match exon boundaries of the same gene, 668 showed a poor or even negative (R < 0.2) correlation with the expression level of the linear gene. In silico analysis showed only a minority (8.5%) of circRNAs could be explained by known splicing events. Both these observations suggest that specific regulatory processes for circRNAs exist. We confirmed the presence of circRNAs of CNOT2, CREBBP, and RERE in an independent pool of primary breast cancers. We identified circRNA profiles associated with subgroups of breast cancers and with biological and clinical features, such as amount of tumor lymphocytic infiltrate and proliferation index. siRNA-mediated knockdown of circCNOT2 was shown to significantly reduce viability of the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and BT-474, further underlining the biological relevance of circRNAs. Furthermore, we found that circular, and not linear, CNOT2 levels are predictive for progression-free survival time to aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy in advanced breast cancer patients, and found that circCNOT2 is detectable in cell-free RNA from plasma. We showed that circRNAs are abundantly present, show characteristics of being specifically regulated, are associated with clinical and biological properties, and thus are relevant in breast cancer.

Synthesis of diphenylamine macrocycles and their anti-inflammatory effects.

A collection of fourteen diphenylamine macrocyclic derivatives containing a peptide chain with different substituents was synthesized using a protocol of two Ugi four component reactions (Ugi-4CR) and a Buchwald-Hartwig macrocyclization. Their anti-inflammatory effects were assayed with an ear edema model using 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, while the activity of myeloperoxidase was determined to evaluate the index of leukocyte infiltration. Compound 5e had an ID50 of 0.18 μM per ear with a potency higher than that of the reference drugs indomethacin and celecoxib (0.24 and 0.91 μM per ear, respectively). Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the macrocycles was determined in two healthy cell lines, showing a low percentage of toxicity.

Evaluation of Ki-67 expression in feline non-ocular melanocytic tumours

BackgroundMelanomas are rare in cats. The eye is the most commonly involved site, whereas few data are available about feline non-ocular melanomas (NOMs). Ki-67 thresholds with prognostic relevance have been established for canine melanomas, but not in cats. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between Ki-67 index, tumour characteristics, and clinical outcome in feline NOMs.Histologic samples were retrospectively reviewed. Amelanotic tumours were admitted upon immunohistochemical positivity for Melan A or S100. Evaluated parameters included morphological diagnosis, histotype, junctional activity, degree of pigmentation, vascular invasion, lymphocytic infiltrate, necrosis, mitotic count (MC) and Ki-67 index. Pigmented tumours were bleached before evaluation. Clinical and follow-up information were retrieved via telephone interviews with the referring veterinarians.ResultsFifty tumours located in skin (n = 33) and mucosae (n = 17) were included. Forty-eight percent and 95% of amelanotic tumours (n = 21) stained positive for Melan A and S100, respectively. Most achromic tumours were mucosal (P < 0.001, Fisher’s exact test) and presented a spindle cell morphology (P = 0.002; Fisher’s exact test). MC and Ki-67 index were significantly correlated (P < 0.001; R = 0.67; Spearman’s rank correlation); median values were 15 (range, 0–153) and 28% (range, 1–78%), respectively. Both were significantly higher in spindle cell melanomas, in tumours lacking junctional activity and in poorly-pigmented tumours. Follow-up information was available for 33 cats (66%). Variables related with a poor clinical outcome included mucosal location, tumour size, spindle, balloon and signet ring cell histotypes, low pigmentation, MC > 5, Ki-67 > 20% and lack of treatment administration. On multivariable analysis, only tumour histotype and treatment retained prognostic significance.ConclusionsAlthough the majority of feline NOMs behave aggressively, Ki-67 index, together with other parameters, may contribute to prognostic assessment. Prospective studies on homogeneous populations are warranted to identify reliable threshold values for this marker.

Improving ground cover and landscape function in a semi-arid rangeland through alternative grazing management

The development and adoption of sustainable grazing strategies is important to improve the functionality and productivity of agricultural landscapes. Alternative grazing systems incorporating periods of planned rest may achieve this compared to continuous grazing systems, but the evidence is conflicting. Using paired paddock contrasts, soil characteristics, ground cover and landscape function (i.e. soil stability, nutrient cycling, infiltration and landscape organisation indices) were compared between alternative grazing management (incorporating periods of rest), traditional (continuous) grazing, and areas managed for conservation (ungrazed by commercial livestock but grazed by native and feral herbivores) on contrasting soil types in semi-arid rangelands. Relationships between the response variables and understorey floristic biodiversity measures were also explored. Total ground cover was greater under conservation management than grazing, and was greater under alternative grazing than traditional grazing management. Indices of landscape function, including stability, nutrient cycling, patch area and landscape organisation were significantly greater, and interpatch length significantly shorter, under conservation compared to traditional grazing management. Alternative grazing management had intermediate values of landscape function which did not differ significantly to traditional grazing or conservation treatments. Ground cover and floristic biodiversity measures were often positively correlated, but there was no clear relationship between most landscape function and plant biodiversity indices. Landscape function may be important in detecting changes in rangelands that remain undetected by floristic diversity measures. Alternative grazing strategies incorporating planned rest have the potential to improve ground cover with the associated benefits of improved productivity and landscape function compared to continuous grazing regimes.

Soil surface quality assessment in rangeland ecosystems with different protection levels, central Iran

This study aimed to evaluate the application of landscape function analysis (LFA) and some soil quality indicators for the assessment of the structure and function of Steppe rangelands in arid regions of Ghamishloo National Park, Isfahan, central Iran. Three zones with different protection levels/grazing intensities, including a national park with wild herbivores, a peripheral protected area where both livestock and wild herbivores were present, and an adjacent grazing-free area where wild herbivores were absent, were selected. Eleven soil surface indicators were assessed to measure soil stability, infiltration, and nutrient cycling indices in various zones. Eighty-seven soil samples were collected in the study area and their characteristics, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen, phosphate, soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic matter (POM), microbial respiration, and mean weight diameter (MWD), were measured. The results showed that although structural attributes (patch area index and landscape organization index) and LFA functional attributes varied significantly between the sites with various management histories (P < 0.05), these attributes along with total patch area and number of patches per 10 m did not have significant differences between the protected and grazing-free area. Most soil quality indicators were also significantly different between the national park and grazing-free area, but MWD, SOC, and POM were not significantly different between the protected and grazing-free areas (P < 0.05). High protection level (i.e. lower grazing impact) led to more soil stability and higher proportion of macro-aggregates in the national park area compared to other areas. The methods used in this study are applicable for exploring the role of national parks in maintaining the structure and function of ecosystems in similar ecoregions.

On the Desiccation of the South Aral Sea Observed from Spaceborne Missions

The South Aral Sea has been massively affected by the implementation of a mega-irrigation project in the region, but ground-based observations have monitored the Sea poorly. This study is a comprehensive analysis of the mass balance of the South Aral Sea and its basin, using multiple instruments from ground and space. We estimate lake volume, evaporation from the lake, and the Amu Darya streamflow into the lake using strengths offered by various remote-sensing data. We also diagnose the attribution behind the shrinking of the lake and its possible future fate. Terrestrial water storage (TWS) variations observed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission from the Aral Sea region can approximate water level of the East Aral Sea with good accuracy (1.8% normalized root mean square error (RMSE), and 0.9 correlation) against altimetry observations. Evaporation from the lake is back-calculated by integrating altimetry-based lake volume, in situ streamflow, and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) precipitation. Different evapotranspiration (ET) products (Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), the Water Gap Hydrological Model (WGHM)), and Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Global Evapotranspiration Project (MOD16) significantly underestimate the evaporation from the lake. However, another MODIS based Priestley-Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory (PT-JPL) ET estimate shows remarkably high consistency (0.76 correlation) with our estimate (based on the water-budget equation). Further, streamflow is approximated by integrating lake volume variation, PT-JPL ET, and GPCP datasets. In another approach, the deseasonalized GRACE signal from the Amu Darya basin was also found to approximate streamflow and predict extreme flow into the lake by one or two months. They can be used for water resource management in the Amu Darya delta. The spatiotemporal pattern in the Amu Darya basin shows that terrestrial water storage (TWS) in the central region (predominantly in the primary irrigation belt other than delta) has increased. This increase can be attributed to enhanced infiltration, as ET and vegetation index (i.e., normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)) from the area has decreased. The additional infiltration might be an indication of worsening of the canal structures and leakage in the area. The study shows how altimetry, optical images, gravimetric and other ancillary observations can collectively help to study the desiccating Aral Sea and its basin. A similar method can be used to explore other desiccating lakes.

Use of filterability index in granular filtration: effect of filter medium type, size and shape

AbstractIves' Filterability Index (FI) was employed to evaluate silica sand versus crushed recycled glass as a rapid filter media. The presence of past studies comparing these two media allows an evaluation of the applicability and utility of the FI concept as a simple and quick preliminary test for the assessment of different media to be used in water filtration. The present tests also allow an evaluation of the effect of shape on filter performance.

Trunk muscle quality assessed by computed tomography: Association with adiposity indices and glucose tolerance in men

Background/objectivesThigh muscle attenuation measured by computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be a reliable and useful index of skeletal muscle fat infiltration. Thigh muscle fat content assessed by CT has been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes and is a correlate of insulin resistance in sedentary individuals. However, as measurement of mid-thigh fat content requires the assessment of another region of interest beyond the usual abdominal scan required to measure levels of visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, this study aimed at testing the hypothesis that skeletal muscle fat measured from a single abdominal scan (L4-L5) would also provide information relevant to the estimation of muscle fat infiltration as it relates to cardiometabolic risk. MethodsAbdominal (L4-L5) and mid-thigh CT scans were performed in a sample of 221 sedentary men covering a wide range of adiposity values. Trunk muscles on the L4-L5 scan were classified into 2 groups: 1) psoas and 2) core muscles. The two scans were segmented to calculate muscle areas, mean attenuation values as well as low-attenuation muscle (LAM) areas, the latter being considered as an index of skeletal muscle fat infiltration. Body mass index (BMI), body composition and waist circumference were assessed and a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. ResultsMid-thigh, psoas and core LAM areas were all significantly associated with body composition indices (0.46 ≤ r ≤ 0.71, p < 0.0001) whereas trunk muscle indices were more strongly associated with visceral adiposity and waist circumference (0.54 ≤ r ≤ 0.79, p < 0.0001) than were mid-thigh muscle variables (0.44 ≤ r ≤ 0.62, p < 0.0001). Mid-thigh LAM area as well as psoas and core LAM areas were significantly associated with fasting glucose, 2-h plasma glucose levels, the glucose area under the curve and with the HOMA-IR index (mid-thigh LAM area: 0.18 ≤ r ≤ 0.25, p < 0.01; psoas LAM area: 0.27 ≤ r ≤ 0.33, p < 0.0001; core LAM area: 0.24 ≤ r ≤ 0.34, p < 0.01). Multivariable stepwise regression analyses revealed that the associations between trunk muscle indices and glucose tolerance/insulin resistance were no longer significant after controlling for visceral adiposity measured at L4-L5. ConclusionOur results suggest that CT-imaging derived indices of trunk muscle quality are related to glucose tolerance and visceral adiposity. However, the relationship between skeletal muscle fat and insulin resistance appears to be largely mediated by the concomitant variation in visceral adiposity. Finally, our results suggest that a single CT scan performed at L4-L5 is adequate to assess skeletal muscle fat content related to cardiometabolic risk.

In vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Reinforcement with Fiberglass in Class I Restorations with Composite Resin

Marginal microleakage is one of the major disadvantages of resin composite restorations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of reinforcement with fiberglass in Class I restorations with composite resin on the marginal microleakage.The sample was composed by 30 human third molars, which were divided into 3 groups: G1 (no fiberglass – control group), G2 (1 layer of fiberglass) and G3 (2 layers of fiberglass). The restorations were subjected to a total of 300 thermal cycles and were immersed in solution of methylene blue 2%. The analysis of microleakage was performed in a stereomicroscope and measured Data were analyzed statistically by the Chi-square and ANOVA tests at 5% significance level. G3 presented the lower infiltration index, but it was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05), indicating that use of fiberglass did not appears effective against microleakage. Although the use of layers of fiberglass slightly reduces polymerization shrinkage, the incremental technique seems to be more viable clinically.

Mapping ecosystem services at the regional scale: the validity of an upscaling approach

ABSTRACTMapping ecosystem services (ES) over large scales is important for environmental monitoring but is often prohibitively expensive and difficult. We test a hybrid, low-cost method of mapping ES indicators over large scales in Pará State, Brazil. Four ES indicators (vegetation carbon stocks, biodiversity index, soil chemical quality index and rates of water infiltration into soil) were measured in the field and then summarized spatially for regional land-cover classes derived from satellite imagery. The regionally mapped ES values correlated strongly with independent and local measures of ES. For example, regional estimates of the vegetation carbon stocks are strongly correlated with actual measures derived from field samples and validation data (significant anova test – p-value = 4.51e−9) and differed on average by only 20 Mg/ha from the field data. Our spatially-nested approach provides reliable and accurate maps of ES at both local and regional scales. Local maps account for the specificities of an area while regional maps provide an accurate generalization of an ES’ state. Such up-scaling methods infuse large-scale ES maps with localized data and enable the estimation of uncertainty of at regional scales. Our approach is first step towards the spatial characterization of ES at large and potentially global scales.