Adoption Subsidies and Environmental Impacts of Alternative Energy Crops, March 2007

We provide estimates of the costs associated with inducing substantial conversion of land from production of traditional crops to switchgrass. Higher traditional crop prices due to increased demand for corn from the ethanol industry has increased the relative advantage that row crops have over switchgrass. Results indicate that farmers will convert to switchgrass production only with significant conversion subsidies. To examine potential environmental consequences of conversion, we investigate three stylized landscape usage scenarios, one with an entire conversion of a watershed to switchgrass production, a second with the entire watershed planted to continuous corn under a 50% removal rate of the biomass, and a third scenario that places switchgrass on the most erodible land in the watershed and places continuous corn on the least erodible. For each of these illustrative scenarios, the watershed-scale Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model (Arnold et al., 1998; Arnold and Forher, 2005) is used to evaluate the effect of these landscape uses on sediment and nutrient loadings in the Maquoketa Watershed in eastern Iowa.

Alternative life-histories in a socially polymorphic ant

Social organisms vary greatly in the number of breeders per group; yet, the causes and consequences of this variation remain poorly known. Here, we show that variation in social structure is tightly linked with changes in several fundamental life-history traits within one population of ants. Multiple-queen colonies of Formica selysi were much more populous than single-queen ones. They also occurred in areas of higher nest density, had longer colony lifespan, produced smaller queens that presumably disperse less, and invested less in reproductive individuals relative to workers. These multiple changes in life histories are consistent with a shift in the mode of colony foundation and the degree of philopatry of queens. They may also provide various fitness benefits to members of multiple-queen colonies and are likely to play a central role in the evolution and maintenance of polymorphic social structures.

Patients's satisfaction concerning postoperative analgesia after caesarean section: a comparison of 4 alternative analgesic regimen

Introduction: Different routes of postoperative analgesia may be used after cesarean section: systemic, spinal or epidural [1]. Although the efficacy of these alternative analgesic regimen has already been studied [2, 3], very few studies have compared patients' satisfaction between them. Methodology: After ethical committee acceptation, 100 ASA 1 patients scheduled for an elective cesarean section were randomized in 4 groups. After a standardized spinal anesthesia (hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg and fentanyl 20 μg), each group had a different postoperative analgesic regimen: - Group 1: oral paracetamol 4x1 g/24 h, oral ibuprofene 3x600 mg/24 h and subcutaneous morphine on need (0.1 mg/kg 6x/24 h) - Group 2: intrathecal morphine (100 μg) and then same as Group 1 - Group 3: oral paracetamol 4x1 g/24 h, oral ibuprofene 3x600 mg/24 h and PCEA with fentanyl 5 μg/ml epidural solution - Group 4: oral paracetamol 4x1g/24 h, oral ibuprofene 3x600 mg/ 24 h and PCEA with bupivacaine 0.1% and fentanyl 2 μg/ml epidural solution After 48 hours, a specific satisfaction questionnaire was given to all patients which permitted to obtain 2 different scores concerning postoperative analgesia: a global satisfaction score (0-10) and a detailed satisfaction score (5 questions scored 0-10 with a summative score of 0-50). Both scores, expressed as mean ± SD, were compared between the 4 groups with a Kruskall-Wallis test and between each group with a Mann-Whitney test. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Satisfaction scores Gr. 1 (n = 25) Gr. 2 (n = 25) Gr. 3 (n = 25) Gr. 4 (n = 25) P-value global (0-10) 8.2 ± 1.2 9.0 ± 1.0 7.8 ± 2.1 6.5 ± 2.5 0.0006 detailed (0-50) 40 ± 6 43 ± 5 38 ± 6 34 ± 8 0.0002 Conclusion: Satisfaction scores were significantly better in patients who received a systemic postoperative analgesia only (Groups 1 and 2) compared to patients who received systemic and epidural postoperative analgesia (Groups 3 and 4). The best scores were achieved with the combination of intrathecal morphine and multimodal systemic analgesia (Group 2) which allowed early ambulation without significant pain. Patients treated with postoperative epidural analgesia with combined local anesthetics and opioids (Group 4) obtained the worse scores (more restrictive nursing with less mobility, frequent asymmetrical block with insufficient analgesia on one side and motor block on the other)

Development of a control alternative for the citrus fruit borer, Ecdytolopha aurantiana (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae): from basic research to the grower

All research steps, developed from 1995 to 2000, to synthesize the sex pheromone of Ecdytolopha aurantiana (Lima, 1927) are described, in order to monitoring this pest that causes losses in the order of 50 million dollars per year to citriculture in the State of São Paulo. The basic researches conducted are described, including the development of an artificial diet for the insect, the study of its temperature and humidity requirements, behavioral studies, and synthesis of the male-attracting substance up to the formulation and distribution of the pheromone to the grower, by means of its commercialization. It is a case of success, at a cost of 50 thousand dollars, involving inter- and multidisciplinary researches, which can be adopted to other insect pests in the country.

A new alternative method for testing skin irritation using a human skin model: a pilot study.

Studies assessing skin irritation to chemicals have traditionally used laboratory animals; however, such methods are questionable regarding their relevance for humans. New in vitro methods have been validated, such as the reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model (Episkin®, Epiderm®). The comparison (accuracy) with in vivo results such as the 4-h human patch test (HPT) is 76% at best (Epiderm®). There is a need to develop an in vitro method that better simulates the anatomo-pathological changes encountered in vivo. To develop an in vitro method to determine skin irritation using human viable skin through histopathology, and compare the results of 4 tested substances to the main in vitro methods and in vivo animal method (Draize test). Human skin removed during surgery was dermatomed and mounted on an in vitro flow-through diffusion cell system. Ten chemicals with known non-irritant (heptylbutyrate, hexylsalicylate, butylmethacrylate, isoproturon, bentazon, DEHP and methylisothiazolinone (MI)) and irritant properties (folpet, 1-bromohexane and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI/MI)), a negative control (sodiumchloride) and a positive control (sodiumlaurylsulphate) were applied. The skin was exposed at least for 4h. Histopathology was performed to investigate irritation signs (spongiosis, necrosis, vacuolization). We obtained 100% accuracy with the HPT model; 75% with the RHE models and 50% with the Draize test for 4 tested substances. The coefficients of variation (CV) between our three test batches were <0.1, showing good reproducibility. Furthermore, we reported objectively histopathological irritation signs (irritation scale): strong (folpet), significant (1-bromohexane), slight (MCI/MI at 750/250ppm) and none (isoproturon, bentazon, DEHP and MI). This new in vitro test method presented effective results for the tested chemicals. It should be further validated using a greater number of substances; and tested in different laboratories in order to suitably evaluate reproducibility.

First observation of alternative food usage (extrafloral nectar) by the assassin bug Atopozelus opsimus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Assassin bugs (Reduviidae) are voracious insects that prey on other arthropods. Recent evidences have pointed out that these predators also feed on plant derived substances in rare opportunities. The present study describes the feeding behavior of the reduviid Atopozelus opsimus on extrafloral nectaries of Inga vera (Fabaceae) in a Neotropical savanna area. It was investigated if the insects feed more frequently of extrafloral nectar or prey, and if individuals of different stages of development vary according to feeding behavior. Notably, the results suggest that the diet of all instars and adults consist mainly of extrafloral nectar (N = 1013), in detriment of captured prey ingestion (N = 18). Also, there was no variation on feeding behavior and life stage.

Home care: a safe and attractive alternative to inpatient administration of intensive chemotherapies.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate feasibility, safety, perception, and costs of home care for the administration of intensive chemotherapies. METHODS: Patients receiving sequential chemotherapy in an inpatient setting, living within 30 km of the hospital, and having a relative to care for them were offered home care treatment. Chemotherapy was administered by a portable, programmable pump via an implantable catheter. The main endpoints were safety, patient's quality of life [Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLIC)], satisfaction of patients and relatives, and costs. RESULTS: Two hundred days of home care were analysed, representing a total of 46 treatment cycles of intensive chemotherapy in 17 patients. Two cycles were complicated by technical problems that required hospitalisation for a total of 5 days. Three major medical complications (heart failure, angina pectoris, and major allergic reaction) could be managed at home. Grades 1 and 2 nausea and vomiting occurring in 36% of patients could be treated at home. FLIC scores remained constant throughout the study. All patients rated home care as very satisfactory or satisfactory. Patient benefits of home care included increased comfort and freedom. Relatives acknowledged better tolerance and less asthenia of the patient. Home care resulted in a 53% cost benefit compared to hospital treatment (420 ± 120/day vs. 896 ± 165/day). CONCLUSION: Administration of intensive chemotherapy regimens at home was feasible and safe. Quality of life was not affected; satisfaction of patients and relatives was very high. A psychosocial benefit was observed for patients and relatives. Furthermore, a cost-benefit of home care compared to hospital treatment was demonstrated.

Workgroup report: incorporating in vitro alternative methods for developmental neurotoxicity into international hazard and risk assessment strategies.

This is the report of the first workshop on Incorporating In Vitro Alternative Methods for Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) Testing into International Hazard and Risk Assessment Strategies, held in Ispra, Italy, on 19-21 April 2005. The workshop was hosted by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) and jointly organized by ECVAM, the European Chemical Industry Council, and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing. The primary aim of the workshop was to identify and catalog potential methods that could be used to assess how data from in vitro alternative methods could help to predict and identify DNT hazards. Working groups focused on two different aspects: a) details on the science available in the field of DNT, including discussions on the models available to capture the critical DNT mechanisms and processes, and b) policy and strategy aspects to assess the integration of alternative methods in a regulatory framework. This report summarizes these discussions and details the recommendations and priorities for future work.

The implications of alternative splicing in the ENCODE protein complement.

Alternative premessenger RNA splicing enables genes to generate more than one gene product. Splicing events that occur within protein coding regions have the potential to alter the biological function of the expressed protein and even to create new protein functions. Alternative splicing has been suggested as one explanation for the discrepancy between the number of human genes and functional complexity. Here, we carry out a detailed study of the alternatively spliced gene products annotated in the ENCODE pilot project. We find that alternative splicing in human genes is more frequent than has commonly been suggested, and we demonstrate that many of the potential alternative gene products will have markedly different structure and function from their constitutively spliced counterparts. For the vast majority of these alternative isoforms, little evidence exists to suggest they have a role as functional proteins, and it seems unlikely that the spectrum of conventional enzymatic or structural functions can be substantially extended through alternative splicing.

Atrial assist device, a new alternative to lifelong anticoagulation?

OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation is a very common heart arrhythmia, associated with a five-fold increase in the risk of embolic strokes. Treatment strategies encompass palliative drugs or surgical procedures all of which can restore sinus rhythm. Unfortunately, atria often fail to recover their mechanical function and patients therefore require lifelong anticoagulation therapy. A motorless volume displacing device (Atripump) based on artificial muscle technology, positioned on the external surface of atrium could avoid the need of oral anticoagulation and its haemorrhagic complications. An animal study was conducted in order to assess the haemodynamic effects that such a pump could provide. METHODS: Atripump is a dome-shape siliconecoated nitinol actuator sewn on the external surface of the atrium. It is driven by a pacemaker-like control unit. Five non-anticoagulated sheep were selected for this experiment. The right atrium was surgically exposed, the device sutured and connected. Haemodynamic parameters and intracardiac ultrasound (ICUS) data were recorded in each animal and under three conditions; baseline; atrial fibrillation (AF); atripump assisted AF (aaAF). RESULTS: In two animals, after 20 min of AF, small thrombi appeared in the right atrial appendix and were washed out once the pump was turned on. Assistance also enhanced atrial ejection fraction. 31% baseline; 5% during AF; 20% under aaAF. Right atrial systolic surfaces (cm2) were; 5.2 +/- 0.3 baseline; 6.2 +/- 0.1 AF; 5.4 +/- 0.3 aaAF. CONCLUSION: This compact and reliable pump seems to restore the atrial "kick" and prevents embolic events. It could avoid long-term anticoagulation therapy and open new hopes in the care of end-stage heart failure.

Induction of the alternative NF-κB pathway by lymphotoxin αβ (LTαβ) relies on internalization of LTβ receptor.

Several tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members activate both the classical and the alternative NF-κB pathways. However, how a single receptor engages these two distinct pathways is still poorly understood. Using lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) as a prototype, we showed that activation of the alternative, but not the classical, NF-κB pathway relied on internalization of the receptor. Further molecular analyses revealed a specific cytosolic region of LTβR essential for its internalization, TRAF3 recruitment, and p100 processing. Interestingly, we found that dynamin-dependent, but clathrin-independent, internalization of LTβR appeared to be required for the activation of the alternative, but not the classical, NF-κB pathway. In vivo, ligand-induced internalization of LTβR in mesenteric lymph node stromal cells correlated with induction of alternative NF-κB target genes. Thus, our data shed light on LTβR cellular trafficking as a process required for specific biological functions of NF-κB.

L'induction rapide du sevrage par des antagonistes des opiacés sous anesthésie: une alternative dans le traitement de la dépendance aux opiacés [Rapid induction of withdrawal with opiate antagonists under anesthesia: an alternative to treatment of opiate dependence?]

Rapid induction of withdrawal by opiate antagonists under anesthesia is an opiate detoxification technique. This technique is useful to reduce intensity and duration of withdrawal. Therefore, this technique represents an alternative strategy in the treatment of opiate addicted patients. This paper attempts to present a brief history of this technique, and a critical review of related issues.