Association of glucocorticoid receptor expression with key members of the insulin signaling pathway and heat shock proteins in the bovine ovary

Glucocorticoids (GCs) act through their receptor (GR) as regulators in different biological processes such as reproduction. In the absence of GCs, the GR remains inactive in the cytoplasm by associating with heat shock proteins (HSPs), which act as molecular chaperones, among which the most relevant are HSP90 and HSP70. Cytoplasmic GC-activated GR mediates non-genomic effects, interacting with members of signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, which participates in several metabolic processes, including the insulin signaling pathway. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible associations between the cytoplasmic GR and the main intermediates of the insulin signaling pathway and HSP90 and HSP70 in ovaries of dairy cows. To this end, the protein expression of cytoplasmic GR, key members of the insulin signaling pathway, and HSPs was evaluated in ovarian preovulatory follicles of non-lactating Holstein cows in proestrus. Positive associations were observed between protein expression of GR and HSP90, IRS1, pIRS1, PI3K and pAkt (p < 0.05; β > 0) in granulosa cells of dominant follicles of dairy cows. Instead, in theca cells, no associations were observed between protein expression of GR and members of the insulin signaling pathway or HSPs. These data provide evidence of the possible association between the non-genomic mechanisms of action of the GR and the insulin signaling pathway in the bovine ovary.

Whole-body modelling reveals microbiome and genomic interactions on reduced urine formate levels in Alzheimer's disease

In this study, we aimed to understand the potential role of the gut microbiome in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We took a multi-faceted approach to investigate this relationship. Urine metabolomics were examined in individuals with AD and controls, revealing decreased formate and fumarate concentrations in AD. Additionally, we utilized whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data obtained from a separate group of individuals with AD and controls. This information allowed us to create and investigate host-microbiome personalized models. Notably, AD individuals displayed diminished formate microbial secretion in these models. Additionally, we identified specific reactions responsible for the production of formate in the host, and interestingly, these reactions were linked to genes that have correlations with AD. This study suggests formate as a possible early AD marker and highlights genetic and microbiome contributions to its production. The reduced formate secretion and its genetic associations point to a complex connection between gut microbiota and AD. This holistic understanding might pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues in AD management.

Detection and molecular characterization of Actinomyces denticolens causing lymph node abscessation in horses

Introduction

Abscessation of equine head lymph nodes can be caused by various bacteria, but Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is mainly involved. At our laboratory, samples of three unrelated horses with submandibular abscesses were found negative for S. equi, and further testing proved the presence of another genus. This raised the question for the exact identity of this pathogen and whether these isolates were epidemiologically related and it warranted further characterization with regards of virulence and resistance factors.

Methods

Culture followed by identification using MALDI-TOF MS, MIC testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to characterize the bacteria.

Results

Bacterial culture and subsequent identification with MALDI-TOF MS resulted in the reliable identification of A. denticolens in two of the three cases. Final confirmation of A. denticolens for all three isolates was achieved by analysis of the WGS data, supported by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The three isolates showed 95% nucleotide sequence identity. The number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (10,170 to 36,058) indicated that the isolates were not clonal, suggesting that these cases were epidemiologically unrelated. Only four known virulence related genes were detected. The absence of known antibiotic resistance genes was in line with the high susceptibility, as indicated by the susceptibility patterns obtained for two of the three isolates.

Conclusion

We conclude that A. denticolens should be included in the differential diagnosis of (submandibular) lymph node abscessation in horses, especially if strangles cannot be confirmed with laboratory diagnostics. Furthermore, we report the first draft genome of A. denticolens isolated from horses.

Contribution of key elements of nutritional metabolism to the development of cystic ovarian disease in dairy cattle

The alteration of signaling molecules involved in the general metabolism of animals can negatively influence reproduction. In dairy cattle, the development of follicular cysts and the subsequent appearance of ovarian cystic disease (COD) often lead to decreased reproductive efficiency in the herd. The objective of this review is to summarize the contribution of relevant metabolic and nutritional sensors to the development of COD in dairy cows. In particular, we focus on the study of alterations of the insulin signaling pathway, adiponectin, and other sensors and metabolites relevant to ovarian functionality, which may be related to the development of follicular persistence and follicular formation of cysts in dairy cattle. The results of these studies support the hypothesis that systemic factors could alter the local scenario in the follicle, generating an adverse microenvironment for the resumption of ovarian activity and possibly leading to the persistence of follicles and to the development and recurrence of COD.

Yogurt Supplementation Attenuated Insulin Resistance in Obese Mice by Reducing Systemic Markers of Metabolic Endotoxemia and Inflammation

Objectives

To understand the mechanisms by which yogurt attenuates insulin resistance and chronic inflammation in a diet-induced obesity model.

Methods

C57BL6 mice were fed either a chow diet (C) or a high-fat diet (HFD) (F) for 11 weeks to induce obesity. Mice were then randomized to receive either a western diet (WD) (CC or FC) or a yogurt-supplemented WD (CY or FY) for 3 weeks to evaluate the impact of yogurt consumption on markers of energy metabolism, metabolic endotoxemia, chronic inflammation, and the gut microbiota. Biological samples were collected at necropsy (Week 14): Plasma samples were used to assess glucose by colorimetric method, insulin and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels by ELISA kits, and cytokine levels by a Meso Scale Discovery biomarker assay kit. Cecal samples were used to assess the microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

Female mice showed a mild increase in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR; calculated from plasma glucose and insulin levels) in response to HFD. Among male mice, however, compared to CC and CY, FC had significantly higher HOMA-IR (p &lt; 0.05 for comparisons between CC-FC & CY-FC by ANOVA, followed by Tukey HSD as the post-hoc test), accompanied by significantly elevated plasma LBP, TNF-α, IL-10, and leptin levels (p &lt; 0.05 by ANOVA & Tukey HSD), as well as higher relative abundance of cecal bacteria, Dorea longicatena (p &lt; 0.05 by likelihood-ratio test), which was associated with elevated risks for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In contrast, FY significantly attenuated HOMA-IR and plasma LBP, IL-10, TNF-α, and leptin levels compared to FC (p &lt; 0.05 by ANOVA & Tukey HSD). Also, beta-diversity of cecal microbiota from FY was significantly different from the rest of three groups (p &lt; 0.01 by Analysis of similarities), and the relative abundance of Dorea longicatena was significantly attenuated in FY than in FC (p &lt; 0.05 by likelihood-ratio test).

Conclusions

Yogurt supplementation attenuated HFD-induced insulin resistance while modulating the gut microbiota, markers of metabolic endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation. This study helps explain the specific mechanisms by which yogurt consumption modulates inflammation in obesity.

Funding Sources

National Dairy Council, University of Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub.

La vaccination par ARNm des sujets naïfs ou convalescents de la COVID-19 permet la génération de lymphocytes B mémoires capables de reconnaître et de neutraliser les variants du SARS-CoV-2

Introduction

La mémoire immunitaire est un mécanisme qui protège les individus contre la réinfection. Cette stratégie de défense de l’organisme, qui est à la base du succès des vaccins, comprend la production d’anticorps protecteurs dans le sang ainsi que la formation de cellules à mémoire, capables de se réactiver rapidement en cellules productrices d’anticorps lors d’une nouvelle infection. Les vaccins à ARNm, codant pour la protéine Spike du SARS-CoV-2, ont été rapidement déployés dans le monde entier, avec une grande efficacité clinique. Déterminer les caractéristiques de la réponse lymphocytaire B mémoire générée par ces vaccins est d’une importance majeure, notamment dans le contexte de circulation de variants du SARS-CoV-2, porteurs de mutations dans la protéine Spike. Nous avons étudié la dynamique, l’évolution clonale, et l’affinité des cellules B à mémoire chez des patients vaccinés par le vaccin à ARNm, ainsi que leur capacité à reconnaître et à neutraliser les variants du SARS-CoV-2 dans deux cohortes longitudinales de patients, l’une infectée lors de la première vague (convalescents-vaccinés), et l’autre n’ayant pas été infectée (naïfs-vaccinés).

Patients et méthodes

Les patients infectés lors de la première vague de la pandémie ont été inclus dans l’étude MEMO-CoV2. Une partie de ces patients avec une forme sévère hospitalisée, ou une forme modérée ambulatoire ont reçu une dose de vaccin à ANR messager (BNT162b2) un an après l’infection. De façon parallèle, une cohorte de soignants, naïfs de toute infection et avec une sérologie négative, ont été vaccinés avec deux doses de vaccin à ARNm. Ces deux cohortes ont été suivies et analysées (Sérologie, Cytométrie en flux des cellules B) longitudinalement jusqu’à 2 mois après le boost vaccinal (première injection pour les convalescents, deuxième injection pour les naïfs). Les cellules B mémoires spécifiques du domaine RBD de la protéine Spike ont été isolées, triées et cultivées en cellule unique. Pour chaque cellule anti-RBD mémoire, nous avons séquencé la chaîne lourde de l’immunoglobuline et nous avons déterminé l’affinité par Biolayer-interferometry des anticorps produits contre des variants préoccupants(α, β, γ et δ). Nous avons aussi déterminé pour certains clones leur capacité à neutraliser le virus D614G (dominant lors de la première vague) et β in vitro.

Résultats

La vaccination induisait une réponse sérologique IgG anti-RBD robuste chez tous les patients analysés (n = 47). L’activité neutralisante du sérum contre le virus D614G était excellente pour tous les patients. Néanmoins, la neutralisation sérique des variants β et δ était très nettement meilleure chez les patients déjà infectés, suggérant que les plasmocytes mobilisés lors du boost vaccinal proviennent de cellules mémoires matures. L’analyse en cytométrie en flux, a mis en évidence une expansion du pool mémoires chez les patients convalescents à un niveau supérieur à celui des naïfs. L’analyse de plus de 2400 séquences de la chaîne lourde de l’immunoglobuline provenant de cellules B mémoires anti-RBD cultivés en cellule unique, a révélé que la réponse vaccinale anti-RBD mobilise des cellules peu mutées, donc nouvellement générées, chez les individus naïfs. À l’inverse les cellules mémoires mobilisées après le boost chez patients convalescents arboraient de nombreuses mutations somatiques, témoignant de la mobilisation de mémoires préexistantes. L’analyse du répertoire des cellules B mémoires montrait que sa diversité était conservée après la vaccination malgré son expansion. Nous avons ensuite analysé l’affinité de 382 anticorps monoclonaux issus cellules B mémoires mobilisées par le boost vaccinal, contre le RBD de différent variants (α, β, γ, δ, κ). L’affinité des anticorps contre la RBD sauvage était plus forte chez les convalescents que chez les naïfs et corrélait avec le nombre de mutations somatiques dans la chaine lourde de l’immunoglobuline, reflétant le processus de maturation d’affinité. Des clones de très haute affinité contre tous les RBD variants étaient détectés chez tous les individus testés, y compris chez les naïfs, ainsi que des clones neutralisant le variant β, qui a la plus grande capacité à échapper à la réponse immune.

Conclusion

Chez les patients convalescents, la vaccination amplifie un large répertoire de cellules B mémoires matures et génère des plasmocytes neutralisant les variants. Chez les individus naïfs, la vaccination induit un pool de mémoire contenant des clones neutralisants puissants contre tous les variants préoccupants actuels, dont bêta et delta. Nos résultats suggèrent qu’une troisième dose chez les sujets naïfs permettrait de différentier en plasmocytes les lymphocytes B mémoires de grande qualité générés par le schéma vaccinal initial et ainsi d’augmenter l’activité neutralisante des sérums contre les variants du SARS-CoV-2.

MC2R/MRAP2 activation could affect bovine ovarian steroidogenesis potential after ACTH treatment

Stressors activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing fertility by interfering with the mechanisms that regulate the timing of events within the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. In the HPA axis, melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) mediates responses to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in concert with melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2). The aims of the present study were: (1) to evaluate the effects of ACTH administered in cows in the preovulatory period on the expression of the MC2R/MRAP2 complex in the dominant follicle; and (2) to analyze the involvement of Extracellular signal Regulated Kinase 1 (ERK1) signaling in the activation of MC2R and the expression of key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids (GCs) in the dominant follicle. To this end, 100 IU ACTH was administered to Holstein cows from a local dairy farm during pro-estrus every 12 h for four days until ovariectomy, which was performed before ovulation. Protein immunostaining of MC2R was higher in the dominant follicles of ACTH-treated cows (p < 0.05). Also, Western blot analysis showed higher activation of the ERK1 signaling pathway in ACTH-treated cows (p < 0.05). Finally, immunohistochemistry performed in the dominant follicles of ACTH-treated cows detected higher expression of CYP17A1 and CYP21A2 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the bovine ovary is able to respond locally to ACTH as a consequence of stress altering the expression of relevant steroidogenic enzymes. The results also confirm that the complete GC biosynthesis pathway is present in bovine dominant follicle and therefore GCs could be produced locally.

Association between phagocytic activity of monocytes and days to conception after parturition in dairy cows when considering the hormonal and metabolic milieu

The nutritional conditions and immune status of dairy cows affect reproductive performance. This study was conducted with the aim to analyze the phagocytic activity (PA) and phagocytic capacity (PC) of circulating monocytes after the period of transition from pregnancy to lactation, to evaluate possible associations with duration of time period to conception following parturition. Results indicated PA was not associated with duration of time period to conception following parturition. In contrast, cows with a lesser PC conceived earlier (98 ± 9 days in milk, DIM) than those with a greater PC (168 ± 15 DIM). Based on these results, to analyze the association of the hormonal and metabolic milieu with the PA and PC, the animals were grouped considering the days to conception following parturition. In the group with the greater number of days to conception (>168 DIM), the PA was associated with concentrations of progesterone and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) at 90 DIM and glucose at 120 DIM, whereas PC was associated with the concentrations of progesterone, cortisol and glucose at 90 DIM, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) at 120 DIM, 17β-estradiol at 150 DIM, and 17β-estradiol and BHB at 180 DIM. Overall, these results represent a new perspective related to the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The modifications of cellular functions may be useful for predicting the onset of health complications in dairy cows and to manage cows in ways that result in an enhanced fertility during the subsequent lactational period.

Effect of precalving body condition score on insulin signaling and hepatic inflammatory state in grazing dairy cattle

During postpartum, high-production dairy cows show a temporary period of insulin resistance, during which glucose uptake by peripheral tissues is reduced to prioritize milk production. However, this can further increase their negative energy balance by compromising liver function, especially in cows with excessive body condition score (BCS) and a pro-inflammatory state. Based on this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatic expression of proteins of the insulin signaling pathway (PI3K) and of the cytokines TNFα, IL-6 and NF-κB, as well as the plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, triglycerides (TAG), insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin sensitivity indexes, and the hepatic content of TAG during the transition period in cows with different BCS. Sixteen Holstein cows were selected 14 days before the expecting calving date and classified into 2 groups: low BCS (LBCS) ≤ 3.25 (n = 9) and high BCS (HBCS) ≥ 3.5 (n = 7). Blood and liver samples were obtained 14 (±3) days before the expected calving date and 4 (±3), 14 (±3) and 28 (±3) days after calving. The concentration of NEFA was higher in the HBCS group than in the LBCS group. Glucose concentration showed an interaction effect, with a greater concentration on day 28 in HBCS. Insulin concentration showed no changes. While the pAkt/total Akt ratio was lower in the HBCS group, the TNFα protein expression was higher only on day 4 postcalving in the HBCS group. In agreement with these results, the insulin sensitivity indexes RQUICKI and RQUICKI_BHBA were lower in the HCBS group. The results suggest an insulin resistance and a pro-inflammatory state in the liver of cows with HBCS.

Aronia berry polyphenols have matrix-dependent effects on the gut microbiota

The objective of this study was to determine the extent that the aronia berry matrix affects gut microbiota composition, fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and colonic anthocyanins in healthy mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed AIN-93 M control diet (C) or C with whole aronia berry (AB), aronia extract (AE), or polyphenol-depleted AB (D) at the expense of cornstarch. After one week of feeding, AB and D increased fecal anthocyanins more than AE. Diets differentially affected SCFA and microbiota. AB fecal SCFA was associated with increased metabolism of succinate and pyruvate to butyrate. D increased acetic acid production, was associated with increased abundance of predicted genes for fermentation of carbohydrates to acetyl-coA. AB and D also increased predicted abundance of microbial catechol metabolism pathway I relative to C, which was attributed to enrichment of Lachnospiraceae. Therefore, the berry matrix impacts how aronia polyphenols interact with the gut microbiota in healthy mice.

Effects of adrenocorticotrophic hormone on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the bovine ovary

Cattle undergo numerous environmental and management stressors that reduce fertility and affect ovulation. The extracellular matrix of the follicle wall can be altered by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the activities of which are regulated by interleukins and tissue-specific inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), especially during ovulation. The aims of the present study were to: (1) evaluate changes in the hormone milieu, the localisation and activity of MMP2 and MMP9 and the localisation of MMP14, TIMP1 and TIMP2 in response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) during the preovulatory period in cows; and (2) determine the direct effects of ACTH on the mRNA expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in the cultured follicle wall of bovine ovaries obtained from an abattoir. 100IU ACTH was administered during pro-oestrus every 12h until ovariectomy, which was performed before ovulation. Cortisol concentrations in the plasma and follicular fluid (FF) of preovulatory follicles were higher in ACTH-treated than control cows. Progesterone presented subluteal concentrations in plasma of ACTH-treated cows (P<0.05). MMP2 immunostaining and activity in ovaries were higher in ACTH-treated than control cows (P<0.05), whereas MMP9 immunostaining was similar between the two groups. However, unlike in control cows, MMP9 activity was absent in the FF of ACTH-treated cows. These results suggest that the administration of ACTH during the preovulatory period in cows could cause changes that culminate in modifications in the content and activation of MMPs and TIMPs in the ovary, which could interfere with the ovulation process.

Study of online measurements techniques of metallic phase spatial distribution into a corium pool

In the context of in-vessel retention (IVR) strategy in order to better assess the risk of reactor vessel failure, the knowledge related to the kinetics of immiscible liquid phases stratification phenomenon needs to be further improved. So far, only one medium-scale experiment (MASCA-RCW, in the frame of the OECD MASCA program) gives direct information regarding the transient relocation of metal below the oxide phase through post-mortem measurements. No experimental characterization of the stratification inversion kinetics when heavy metal becomes lighter and relocates at the top exists. Further investigation of these hydrodynamic and thermochemical processes could be made possible thanks to on line instrumentation enabling to follow displacement of oxidic and metallic phases into the corium pool. At CEA Cadarache, studies are under progress to set up innovative technologies for corium stratification monitoring which would be integrated to a cold crucible induction melting furnace. Based on space and time resolution specifications, three on-line measurements techniques were selected and studied. The first one is an ultrasonic technique using a refractory material waveguide and based on a time-of-flight measurement. We present the feasibility approach with the preliminary results obtained during experiments at high temperature on VITI facility. The second method consists in electromagnetic characterization of the corium pool thanks to an excitation by a magnetic field induced by surroundings coils and measurement of magnetic response by sensors placed around the crucible. A modelling study has enabled to define an appropriate experimental configuration. An experimental set up has also been tested to verify the calculation results. The third technique is 2D X-rays imaging. A feasibility study for a real-time X-ray imagingwith a framerate of 1 image/s has been performed using home-made simulation software MODHERATO, accounting forscattering, based on corium behavior previsions. Results on thedetection of interfaces between different type of corium phases(oxide, light metal, heavy metal) are shown.

NONHUMAN PRIMATE GUT MICROBIOME: IMPACT OF AGE AND CALORIE RESTRICTION

The human microbiome is composed of bacteria, archaea, viruses and eukaryotic microbes that reside in and on our bodies, the largest community of which is in the gut. Although the functions of the gut microbiota are not fully understood, they are known to play an essential role in immune, endocrine, and metabolic functions. To begin to understand the relationship between the gut microbiome, aging, and adult-onset, moderate calorie restriction in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), we collected fecal samples at one timepoint from a total of 52 macaques for 16S rRNA gene analyses. Samples were taken from 20 males and 20 females across the natural macaque age range and from 6 males and 6 females enrolled in the long-term study of aging and calorie restriction at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Preliminary data show that, like humans, NHPs exhibit a large interindividual variation in microbiota composition despite well-controlled environmental conditions.

A Partnership in the Making: Metabolic Phenotype Determined by the Combination of Dietary Fiber and the Gut Microbiome (FS07-03-19)

Objectives

Dietary fiber consumption improves cardiometabolic health, partly by enhancing microbial diversity and increasing production of butyrate in the distal gut. However, it is unclear whether the benefits associated with different types of fiber vary based on the gut microbiota composition. We surveyed nine different human gut microbial communities by characterizing them in germ-free mice and selected two communities based on their butyrate-producing capacity (“B”) and diversity (“D”) (i.e., high- vs. low-BD communities). Our objective was to assess the role of high- vs. low-BD communities on the metabolic effects elicited by the consumption of various dietary fibers.

Methods

We formulated seven diets with different sources of dietary fiber (10% wt/wt): i) resistant starch type 2 (RS2); ii) RS4; iii) inulin; iv) short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS); v) pectin, vi) assorted fiber (a combination of the 5 fermentable fibers), and vii) cellulose (a non-fermentable control). Germ-free C57BL/6 male mice were colonized with either the high- or low-BD communities and fed the assorted fiber diet for 2 weeks to reach stability of microbial engraftment. Mice were then switched to one of the 7 diets for 4 weeks (n = 7–10/group; 117 mice total). We quantified cecal level of short-chain fatty acids and assessed the gut microbiota composition using 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing.

Results

Mice colonized with the high-BD community have lower body weight and fat mass compared to the low-BD community when fermentable-fiber sources RS2, inulin, or assorted fiber were present in the diet. Body weight did not differ between the two communities when mice were fed RS4, scFOS, pectin, or cellulose diets. Lower body weight and fat mass were associated with greater cecal butyrate concentrations and microbial diversity.

Conclusions

The efficacy of dietary fiber interventions on metabolic health varies based on the gut microbiota composition. Overall, our results suggest that dietary fiber supplementations need to be matched with the metabolic potential of the gut microbiome.

Funding Sources

Fondation Leducq, USDA, and NIH.

Protein and gene expression of relevant enzymes and nuclear receptor of hepatic lipid metabolism in grazing dairy cattle during the transition period

We aimed to study the protein and gene expression of some hepatic enzymes of lipid metabolism along with plasma biomarkers in grazing dairy cattle during the transition period. Blood and liver biopsies from a group of eight multiparous cows were sampled at -28, -14, +4, +14, +28 and +56 days relative to parturition. Peak concentrations of NEFA and beta-hydroxybutyric acid with high triacylglycerol content in the liver were recorded on day 4 postpartum. Consistent with blood biomarkers, the gene expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) increased, whereas that of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) decreased. Nevertheless, CPT1A protein expression did not change during all the period evaluated and ACOX1 protein expression increased on day 56 postpartum. In addition, the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) increased on day 28 postpartum. On the other hand, DGAT1 protein expression decreased on day 14 postpartum. As expected, the expression of genes associated with fatty acid oxidation increased on the first days postpartum but, notably, protein expression was highest after transition. Since most infectious diseases and metabolic disorders in dairy cattle occur particularly on the first days postpartum, it is not so clear whether an increase in the oxidation capacity of the liver at that time could help to prevent disease and improve dairy production. The valuable results about protein expression of enzymes involved in liver lipid metabolism could help to better characterize the metabolism of dairy cattle during the transition period.

Soil and water bioengineering: Practice and research needs for reconciling natural hazard control and ecological restoration

Soil and water bioengineering is a technology that encourages scientists and practitioners to combine their knowledge and skills in the management of ecosystems with a common goal to maximize benefits to both man and the natural environment. It involves techniques that use plants as living building materials, for: (i) natural hazard control (e.g., soil erosion, torrential floods and landslides) and (ii) ecological restoration or nature-based re-introduction of species on degraded lands, river embankments, and disturbed environments. For a bioengineering project to be successful, engineers are required to highlight all the potential benefits and ecosystem services by documenting the technical, ecological, economic and social values. The novel approaches used by bioengineers raise questions for researchers and necessitate innovation from practitioners to design bioengineering concepts and techniques. Our objective in this paper, therefore, is to highlight the practice and research needs in soil and water bioengineering for reconciling natural hazard control and ecological restoration. Firstly, we review the definition and development of bioengineering technology, while stressing issues concerning the design, implementation, and monitoring of bioengineering actions. Secondly, we highlight the need to reconcile natural hazard control and ecological restoration by posing novel practice and research questions.

Social and population health science approaches to understand the human microbiome

The microbiome is now considered our 'second genome' with potentially comparable importance to the genome in determining human health. There is, however, a relatively limited understanding of the broader environmental factors, particularly social conditions, that shape variation in human microbial communities. Fulfilling the promise of microbiome research - particularly the microbiome's potential for modification - will require collaboration between biologists and social and population scientists. For life scientists, the plasticity and adaptiveness of the microbiome calls for an agenda to understand the sensitivity of the microbiome to broader social environments already known to be powerful predictors of morbidity and mortality. For social and population scientists, attention to the microbiome may help answer nagging questions about the underlying biological mechanisms that link social conditions to health. We outline key substantive and methodological advances that can be made if collaborations between social and population health scientists and life scientists are strategically pursued.

[Occurrence of delayed symptoms after a challenge test with methacholine]

There are few prospective studies available on the development of delayed symptoms following challenge tests with methacholine (MCT) at the currently recommended doses. The objective of this study was to describe the nature and frequency of respiratory symptoms suggestive of bronchospasm developing within 24hours after a MCT. The study was offered to adult patients who underwent MCT seen consecutively between June and October 2015. Following the test, a questionnaire adapted from the GINA asthma control questionnaire bearing on diurnal and nocturnal symptoms (cough, dyspnoea, wheeze and tightness), was delivered to the patient and the replies collected by telephone 24hours later. Of the 101 patients included (initial FEV1 2.82±0.79L), 46 (46 %) were MCT+ and 55 (54 %) MCT-. Among the MCT-, 4 (7 %) presented with immediate symptoms (S+) and 4 (7 %) with delayed symptoms. Among the MCT+ patients, 36 (78 %) presented with immediate symptoms (P<0.001 compared with the MCT- patients), and 39 (85 %) with delayed symptoms (P<0.001 compared with the MCT- patients). Delayed symptoms developed with a mean of 5h30 after the provocation test. Immediate and delayed symptoms were more frequent in subjects having significant non-specific bronchial hyper-reactivity. Informing patients of the risk of developing delayed symptoms seems useful and allows optimization of their management after a MCT.

The Influence of Social Conditions Across the Life Course on the Human Gut Microbiota: A Pilot Project With the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study

Objective

To test the feasibility of collecting and integrating data on the gut microbiome into one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies of aging and health, the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS). The long-term goal of this integration is to clarify the contribution of social conditions in shaping the composition of the gut microbiota late in life. Research on the microbiome, which is considered to be of parallel importance to human health as the human genome, has been hindered by human studies with nonrandomly selected samples and with limited data on social conditions over the life course.

Methods

No existing population-based longitudinal study had collected fecal specimens. Consequently, we created an in-person protocol to collect stool specimens from a subgroup of WLS participants.

Results

We collected 429 stool specimens, yielding a 74% response rate and one of the largest human samples to date.

Discussion

The addition of data on the gut microbiome to the WLS-and to other population based longitudinal studies of aging-is feasible, under the right conditions, and can generate innovative research on the relationship between social conditions and the gut microbiome.

The subpolar gyre regulates silicate concentrations in the North Atlantic

The North Atlantic is characterized by diatom-dominated spring blooms that results in significant transfer of carbon to higher trophic levels and the deep ocean. These blooms are terminated by limiting silicate concentrations in summer. Numerous regional studies have demonstrated phytoplankton community shifts to lightly-silicified diatoms and non-silicifying plankton at the onset of silicate limitation. However, to understand basin-scale patterns in ecosystem and climate dynamics, nutrient inventories must be examined over sufficient temporal and spatial scales. Here we show, from a new comprehensive compilation of data from the subpolar Atlantic Ocean, clear evidence of a marked pre-bloom silicate decline of 1.5-2 µM throughout the winter mixed layer during the last 25 years. This silicate decrease is primarily attributed to natural multi-decadal variability through decreased winter convection depths since the mid-1990s, a weakening and retraction of the subpolar gyre and an associated increased influence of nutrient-poor water of subtropical origin. Reduced Arctic silicate import and the projected hemispheric-scale climate change-induced weakening of vertical mixing may have acted to amplify the recent decline. These marked fluctuations in pre-bloom silicate inventories will likely have important consequences for the spatial and temporal extent of diatom blooms, thus impacting ecosystem productivity and ocean-atmosphere climate dynamics.

Altered expression of cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in bovine follicular persistence

In dairy cattle, cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of subfertility, and two of the main signs are ovulation failure and follicular persistence. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of the cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in ovarian follicular structures at different times of persistence in a model of follicular persistence induced by prolonged treatment with progesterone in dairy cows. Protein expression of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, IL-6 concentration in follicular fluid and serum was determined by ELISA. IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α expression was increased in follicles with different persistence times in relation to the control dominant follicles, in granulosa cells. For IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, this increase was detected early (P0: expected time of ovulation and/or P5: 5 days of follicular persistence). Additionally, theca cells showed an increase in IL-6 in antral (groups P10 and P15) and persistent follicles (group P10) related to dominant follicles from the control group (p < 0.05). Serum concentration of IL-6 was higher in groups P5, P10 and P15 than in control cows (p < 0.05). The results show evidence that early development of COD in cows is concurrent with altered expression of these cytokines in different ovarian follicular structures and may contribute to the follicular persistence and endocrine changes found in cattle with follicular cysts.

Detection and activity of 11 beta hydroxylase (CYP11B1) in the bovine ovary

Glucocorticoids (GCs) such as cortisol and corticosterone are important steroid hormones with different functions in intermediate metabolism, development, cell differentiation, immune response and reproduction. In response to physiological and immunological stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) acts on the adrenal gland by stimulating the synthesis and secretion of GCs. However, there is increasing evidence that GCs may also be synthesized by extra-adrenal tissues. Here, we examined the gene and protein expression of the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase P450c11 (CYP11B1), involved in the conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol, in the different components of the bovine ovary and determined the functionality of CYP11B1in vitro.CYP11B1mRNA was expressed in granulosa and theca cells in small, medium and large antral ovarian follicles, and CYP11B1 protein was expressed in medium and large antral follicles. After stimulation by ACTH, we observed an increased secretion of cortisol by the wall of large antral follicles. We also observed a concentration-dependent decrease in the concentration of cortisol in response to metyrapone, an inhibitor of CYP11B1. This decrease was significant at 10−5 µM metyrapone. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time the presence of CYP11B1 in the bovine ovary. This confirms that there could be a local synthesis of GCs in the bovine ovary and therefore a potential endocrine responder to stress through these hormones.

Arsenolite: a quasi-hydrostatic solid pressure-transmitting medium

This study reports the experimental characterization of the hydrostatic properties of arsenolite (As4O6), a molecular solid which is one of the softest minerals in the absence of hydrogen bonding. The high compressibility of arsenolite and its stability up to 15 GPa have been proved by x-ray diffraction measurements, and the progressive loss of hydrostaticity with increasing pressure up to 20 GPa has been monitored by ruby photoluminescence. Arsenolite has been found to exhibit hydrostatic behavior up to 2.5 GPa and a quasi-hydrostatic behavior up to 10 GPa at room temperature. This result opens the way to explore other molecular solids as possible quasi-hydrostatic pressure-transmitting media. The validity of arsenolite as an insulating, stable, non-penetrating and quasi-hydrostatic medium is explored by the study of the x-ray diffraction of zeolite ITQ-29 at high pressure.

[Acute pericarditis]

Acute pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium. Different etiologies are known, and can be classified in three groups: infectious, neoplastic and auto-immun. The diagnosis is based essentially on clinical signs and should be raised by position and respiratory dependent chest pain, especially when it follows a viral infection, and a pericardial friction rub on cardiac auscultation. An ECG and an echocardiography should be performed to assess the presence of a pericardial effusion. A diffuse and concave ST elevation permits the distinction with myocardial ischemia. The first line therapy is an association between NSAR and colchicine, the latter has shown to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Resprout and Survival of Willow (Salix) Cuttings on Bioengineering Structures in Actively Eroding Gullies in Marls in a Mountainous Mediterranean Climate: A Large-Scale Experiment in the Francon Catchment (Southern Alps, France)

Improving the understanding of the role of vegetation and bioengineering structures on erosion and sedimentation control, especially in torrent-prone catchments in a mountainous Mediterranean climate, has become a key issue today for the scientific community working in ecological engineering and restoration ecology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of willow (Salix) cuttings in resprouting and survival on bioengineering structures in actively eroding gullies in marls and to identify the factors influencing this performance. Measurements were taken from 2008 to 2011 on 336 bioengineering structures, namely brush layers on wooden sills (BL) and brush layers with brush mats on wooden sills (BLM), using 8890 cuttings of Salix purpurea and Salix incana. These structures were built in 18 gullies of the Francon Catchment in marls (73 ha) in the Southern French Alps. After four growing seasons, the results revealed a total cutting survival rate of 45%. They also demonstrated that in BLM, brush mats provided better survival (56%) than brush layers (37%). In BL, brush layers alone showed 51% cutting survival. Cutting resprout and survival were observed for all structure aspects. They were positively related to increasing gully size and vegetation cover on gully sides. The results of this large-scale experiment clarified previous data obtained on a limited sample of bioengineering structures, providing further detail and showing that it is possible to use such structures made of willow cuttings to revegetate actively eroding gullies in marls within a mountainous Mediterranean climate.

Involvement of PAPP-A and IGFR1 in Cystic Ovarian Disease in Cattle

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is one of the main causes of infertility in dairy cattle. It has been shown that intra-ovarian factors, such as members of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, may contribute to follicular persistence. The bioavailability of IGF to initiate its response by binding to specific receptors (IGFRs) depends on interactions with related compounds, such as pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). The aim of this study was to determine IGFR1 and PAPP-A expression both in follicles at different stages of development and in cysts, to evaluate the roles in the etiopathogenesis of COD in cattle. The mRNA expression of PAPP-A was higher in granulosa cells of large tertiary follicles than in cysts, whereas the protein PAPP-A present in the follicular fluid from these follicles showed no differences. Although no PAPP-A mRNA expression was detected in smaller tertiary follicles, in their follicular fluid, this protease was detected in lesser concentration than in cysts. The mRNA expression of IGFR1 was lower in granulosa cells from cystic follicles than in those from tertiary ones. However, the protein expression of this receptor presented the highest levels in cystic structures, probably to increase the possibility of IGF response. The data obtained would indicate that animals with COD have an altered regulation of the IGF system in the ovary, which could be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease in cattle.