An objective measure of reactive behaviour in horses

Several tests have been devised in an attempt to detect behaviour modification due to training, supplements or diet in horses. These tests rely on subjective observations in combination with physiological measures, such as heart rate (HR) and plasma cortisol concentrations, but these measures do not definitively identify behavioural changes. The aim of the present studies was to develop an objective and relevant measure of horse reactivity. In Study 1, HR responses to auditory stimuli, delivered over 6 days, designed to safely startle six geldings confined to individual stalls was studied to determine if peak HR, unconfounded by physical exertion, was a reliable measure of reactivity. Both mean (±SEM) resting HR (39.5 ± 1.9 bpm) and peak HR (82 ± 5.5 bpm) in response to being startled in all horses were found to be consistent over the 6 days. In Study 2, HR, plasma cortisol concentrations and speed of departure from an enclosure (reaction speed (RS)) in response to a single stimulus of six mares were measured when presented daily over 6 days. Peak HR response (133 ± 4 bpm) was consistent over days for all horses, but RS increased (3.02 ± 0.72 m/s on Day 1 increasing to 4.45 ± 0.53 m/s on Day 6; P = 0.005). There was no effect on plasma cortisol, so this variable was not studied further. In Study 3, using the six geldings from Study 1, the RS test was refined and a different startle stimulus was used each day. Again, there was no change in peak HR (97.2 ± 5.8 bpm) or RS (2.9 ± 0.2 m/s on Day 1 versus 3.0 ± 0.7 m/s on Day 6) over time. In the final study, mild sedation using acepromazine maleate (0.04 mg/kg BW i.v.) decreased peak HR in response to a startle stimulus when the horses (n = 8) were confined to a stall (P = 0.006), but not in an outdoor environment when the RS test was performed. However, RS was reduced by the mild sedation (P = 0.02). In conclusion, RS may be used as a practical and objective test to measure both reactivity and changes in reactivity in horses.

Mammographic density-a review on the current understanding of its association with breast cancer

There has been considerable recent interest in the genetic, biological and epidemiological basis of mammographic density (MD), and the search for causative links between MD and breast cancer (BC) risk. This report will critically review the current literature on MD and summarize the current evidence for its association with BC. Keywords 'mammographic dens*', 'dense mammary tissue' or 'percent dens*' were used to search the existing literature in English on PubMed and Medline. All reports were critically analyzed. The data were assigned to one of the following aspects of MD: general association with BC, its relationship with the breast hormonal milieu, the cellular basis of MD, the generic variations of MD, and its significance in the clinical setting. MD adjusted for age, and BMI is associated with increased risk of BC diagnosis, advanced tumour stage at diagnosis and increased risk of both local recurrence and second primary cancers. The MD measures that predict BC risk have high heritability, and to date several genetic markers associated with BC risk have been found to also be associated with these MD risk predictors. Change in MD could be a predictor of the extent of chemoprevention with tamoxifen. Although the biological and genetic pathways that determine and perhaps modulate MD remain largely unresolved, significant inroads are being made into the understanding of MD, which may lead to benefits in clinical screening, assessment and treatment strategies. This review provides a timely update on the current understanding of MD's association with BC risk.

Identification of putative virulence-associated genes of Haemophilus parasuis through suppression subtractive hybridization.

Haemophilus parasuis is the causative agent of Glässer's disease. Up to now 15 serovars of H. parasuis have been identified, with significant differences existing in virulence between serovars. In this study, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify the genetic difference between Nagasaki (H. parasuis serovar 5 reference strain, highly virulent) and SW114 (H. parasuis serovar 3 reference strain, non-virulent). A total of 191 clones were obtained from the SSH library. Using dot hybridization and PCR, 15 clones were identified containing fragments that were present in the Nagasaki genome while absent in the SW114 genome. Among these 15 fragments, three fragments (ssh1, ssh13, ssh15) encode cell surface-associated components; three fragments (ssh2, ssh5, ssh9) are associated with metabolism and stress response; one fragment (ssh8) is involved in assembly of fimbria and one fragment (ssh6) is a phage phi-105 ORF25-like protein. The remaining seven fragments are hypothetical proteins or unknown. Based on PCR analysis of the 15 serovar reference strains, eight fragments (ssh1, ssh2, ssh3, ssh6, ssh8, ssh10, ssh11 and ssh12) were found in three to five of most virulent serovars (1, 5, 10, 12, 13 and 14), zero to two in three moderately virulent serovars (2, 4 and 15), but absent in the low virulent serovar (8) and non-virulent serovars (3, 6, 7, 9 and 11). In vivo transcription fragments ssh1, ssh2, ssh8 and ssh12 were identified in total RNA samples extracted from experimental infected pig lung by RT-PCR. This study has provided some evidence of genetic differences between H. parasuis strains of different virulence.

Crystal structure of the charge-transfer complex promethazine picrate

Promethazine picrate (C23H23N5O7S) crystallises in the triclinic space group P[unk] with a = 8.137(1), b = 8.144(3), c = 19.224(6) Å, α = 87.78(3), β = 79.97(2), γ = 70.57(2)° and two molecules per unit cell. The structure was solved by direct methods (MULTAN 80) using 2438 observed reflections [I > 2.5 σ(I)]. Refinement was carried out by block-diagonal least-squares methods to a final R = 0.052. The picrate group is planar and is almost perpendicular to the promethazine plane. The two groups are joined by a hydrogen bond. The pairs of molecules related by a centre of symmetry make a molecular arrangement where promethazine and picrate groups are packed in sheets in three dimensions.

Opiate withdrawal modifies synaptic plasticity in subicular-nucleus accumbens pathway in vivo

Subiculum receives output of hippocampal CAI neurons and projects glutamatergic synapses onto nucleus accumbens (NAc), the subicular-NAc pathway linking memory and reward system. It is unknown whether morphine withdrawal influences synaptic plasticity in

Sorption, degradation and mobility of microcystins in Chinese agriculture soils: Risk assessment for groundwater protection

In the present paper, sorption, persistence, and leaching behavior of three microcystin variants in Chinese agriculture soils were examined. Based on this study, the values of capacity factor and slope for three MCs variants in three soils ranged from 0.69 to 6.00, and 1.01 to 1.54, respectively. The adsorption of MCs in the soils decreased in the following order: RR > Dha(7) LR > LR. Furthermore, for each MC variant in the three soils, the adsorption rate in the soils decreased in the following order: soil A > soil C > soil B. The calculated half-time ranged between 7.9 and 17.8 days for MC-RR, 6.0-17.1 days for MC-LR, and 7.1-10.2 days for MC-Dha(7) LR. Results from leaching experiments demonstrated that recoveries of toxins in leachates ranged from 0-16.7% for RR, 73.2-88.9% for LR, and 8.9-73.1% for Dha 7 LR. The GUS value ranged from 1.48 to 2.06 for RR, 1.82-2.88 for LR, and 1.76-2.09 for Dha(7) LR. Results demonstrated the use of cyanobacterial collections as plant fertilizer is likely to be unsafe in soils. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Uniformity of karyotypes in Ligularia (Asteraceae : Senecioneae), a highly diversified genus of the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau highlands and adjacent areas

Ligularia, a highly diversified genus in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent areas, was chosen as a suitable subject in which to study speciation patterns in this 'hot spot' area at the chromosomal level. Chromosome numbers and karyotypes were studied in 23 populations of 14 species, most of which are endemic to this area. The basic number x = 29 was confirmed for all species. Ligularia virgaurea was found to have diploid and triploid cytotypes, 2n = 58 and 87. Other species are only diploid, with 2n = 58. The karyotypes of all populations within any species, and all species spanning most sections and covering most of the morphological range in Ligularia, are very similar to each other, belonging to type 2A according to Stebbin's classification. This karyotype was also found in its close allies, e.g. Cremanthodium, Ligulariopsis, Parasenecio, and Sinacalia. Aneuploid reduction of chromosome number from 2n = 60 to 58 and karyotypic variation was found in Ligularia and its allies. Such a chromosomal pattern with few polyploids infers that variation of karyotype structure at the diploid level seems to be the predominant feature of chromosomal evolution in this group and sympatric speciation via hybridization and polyploidization has played a minor role in its species diversity. (C) 2004 The Linnean Society of London

Oeuvres complètes de Molière : accompagnées de notes tirées de tous les commentateurs avec de remarques nouvelles (Nouvelle édition) / par M. Félix Lemaistre

Comprend : Vie de Molière ; Molière et la comédie ; Extraits du Discours sur la comédie

Social comparison and body image in non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers

Body image refers to an individual's internal representation ofhis/her outer self (Cash, 1994; Thompson, Heinberg, Altabe, & Tantleff-Dunn, 1999). It is a multidimensional construct which includes an individual's attitudes towards hislher own physical characteristics (Bane & McAuley, 1998; Cash, 1994; Cash, 2004; Davison & McCabe, 2005; Muth & Cash, 1997; Sabiston, Crocker, & Munroe-Chandler, 2005). Social comparison is the process of thinking about the self in relation to others in order to determine if one's opinions and abilities are adequate and to assess one's social status (Festinger, 1954; Wood, 1996). Research investigating the role of social comparisons on body image has provided some information on the types and nature of the comparisons that are made. The act of making social comparisons may have a negative impact on body image (van den Berg et ai., 2007). Although exercise may improve body image, the impact of social comparisons in exercise settings may be less positive, and there may be differences in the social comparison tendencies between non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers. The present study examined the nature of social comparisons that female collegeaged non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers made with respect to their bodies, and the relationship of these social comparisons to body image attitudes. Specifically, the frequency and direction of comparisons on specific tal-gets and body dimensions were examined in both non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers. Finally, the relationship between body-image attitudes and the frequency and direction with which body-related social comparisons were made for non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers were examined. One hundred and fifty-two participants completed the study (n = 70 non or ill infrequent exercisers; n = 82 exercisers). Participants completed measures of social physique anxiety (SPA), body dissatisfaction, body esteem, body image cognitions, leisure time physical activity, and social comparisons. Results suggested that both groups (non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers) generally made social comparisons and most frequently made comparisons with same-sex friends, and least frequently with same-sex parents. Also, both groups made more appearance-related comparisons than non-appearance-related comparisons. Further, both groups made more negative comparisons with almost all targets. However, non or infrequent exercisers generally made more negative comparisons on all body dimensions, while exercisers made negative comparisons only on weight and body shape dimensions. MANOV As were conducted to examine if any differences on social comparisons between the two groups existed. Results of the MANOVAs indicated that frequency of comparisons with targets, the frequency of comparisons on body dimensions, and direction of comparisons with targets did not differ based on exercise status. However, the direction of comparison of specific body dimensions revealed a significant (F (7, 144) = 3.26,p < .05; 1]2 = .132) difference based on exercise status. Follow-up ANOVAs showed significant differences on five variables: physical attractiveness (F (1, 150) = 6.33,p < .05; 1]2 = .041); fitness (F(l, 150) = 11.89,p < .05; 1]2 = .073); co-ordination (F(I, 150) = 5.61,p < .05; 1]2 = .036); strength (F(I, dO) = 12.83,p < .05; 1]2 = .079); muscle mass or tone (F(l, 150) = 17.34,p < .05; 1]2 = 1.04), with exercisers making more positive comparisons than non or infrequent exercisers. The results from the regression analyses for non or infrequent exercisers showed appearance orientation was a significant predictor of the frequency of social comparisons N (B = .429, SEB = .154, /3 = .312,p < .01). Also, trait body image measures accounted for significant variance in the direction of social comparisons (F(9, 57) = 13.43,p < .001, R2adj = .68). Specifically, SPA (B = -.583, SEB = .186, /3 = -.446,p < .01) and body esteem-weight concerns (B = .522, SEB = .207, /3 = .432,p < .01) were significant predictors of the direction of comparisons. For exercisers, regressions revealed that specific trait measures of body image significantly predicted the frequency of comparisons (F(9, 71) = 8.67,p < .001, R2adj = .463). Specifically, SPA (B = .508, SEB = .147, /3 = .497,p < .01) and appearance orientation (B = .457, SEB = .134, /3 = .335,p < .01) were significant predictors of the frequency of social comparisons. Lastly, for exercisers, the results for the regression of body image measures on the direction of social comparisons were also significant (F(9, 70) = 14.65,p < .001, R2adj = .609) with body dissatisfaction (B = .368, SEB = .143, /3 = .362,p < .05), appearan.ce orientation (B = .256, SEB = .123, /3 = .175,p < .05), and fitness orientation (B = .423, SEB = .194, /3 = .266,p < .05) significant predictors of the direction of social comparison. The results indicated that young women made frequent social comparisons regardless of exercise status. However, exercisers m,a de more positive comparisons on all the body dimensions than non or infrequent exercisers. Also, certain trait body image measures may be good predictors of one's body comp~son tendencies. However, the measures which predict comparison tendencies may be different for non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers. Future research should examine the effects of social comparisons in different populations (i.e., males, the obese, older adults, etc.). Implications for practice and research were discussed.

V Jornadas de Formaci??n y Convivencia entre Estudiantes Universitarios y Discapacitados F??sicos : formaci??n universitaria, convivencia y discapacidad

Proyecto de formaci??n y convivencia interdisciplinar entre estudiantes de Trabajo Social y Enfermer??a y discapacitados f??sicos de la regi??n de Murcia que incorpora en estas quintas Jornadas a estudiantes de Fisioterapia y Psicolog??a. El objetivo del encuentro es transmitir, desarrollar y potenciar la formaci??n cient??fica y t??cnica que se necesita para ejercer la actividad profesional de las diferentes disciplinas en sectores o escenarios sociales concretos. Los temas tratados y recogidos en las actas son: autonom??a e independencia, sexualidad, relaci??n de ayuda, rehabilitaci??n integral, educaci??n y trabajo, ocio y tiempo libre.

Factores asociados a deficiencia de zinc en niños colombianos entre 1 y 4 años de edad

Introducción: Las deficiencias de micronutrientes continúan siendo un problema de salud pública en la población infantil, dentro de las ellas se ha encontrado a la deficiencia de zinc causa importante de morbi-mortalidad en los países en desarrollo, la nutrición adecuada de zinc es esencial para un crecimiento adecuado, inmunocompetencia y desarrollo neuroconductual; se dispone de información insuficiente sobre el estado de zinc en la población preescolar lo cual dificulta la expansión de las intervenciones para el control de su deficiencia. Colombia presenta una deficiencia de este micronutriente, considerándose a nivel mundial como un problema de salud pública moderado a severo. Una evaluación sobre la prevalencia y factores determinantes asociados puede proporcionar datos sobre el riesgo de deficiencia de zinc en una población, considerando factores demográficos, sociales y nutricionales que podrían predisponer a la población preescolar colombiana a sufrir este déficit. Metodología: Estudio observacional de corte transversal que incluyó 4275 niños entre 1 y 4 años, utilizando datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Situación Nutricional (ENSIN-2010). Se realizaron análisis bivariados y multivariados para determinar factores asociados positiva y negativamente con deficiencia de zinc. Resultados: El 49,1% de los niños encuestados cursaban con deficiencia de zinc. Los factores de riesgo asociados a deficiencia de zinc encontrados fueron menor edad, peso y talla bajos, vivir en región Atlántica, región Central, Territorios Nacionales, vivienda en área de población dispersa, pertenencia a etnia afrocolombiana, pertenencia a etnia indígena, estar afiliado a régimen subsidiado, no estar afiliado a ningún régimen de salud, madre sin educación, no asistencia a programa de alimentación dirigido y el grado severo de inseguridad Conclusiones: El déficit de zinc en los niños entre 1 y 4 años de edad es multifactorial, siendo un reflejo probable de la situación de inequidad de la población colombiana, en especial, la más pobre y vulnerable. Palabras clave: Zinc, Deficiencia de zinc, factores asociados, niños entre 1 y 4 años, Colombia