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Background and Objectives. Lymnaeid snails are the known intermediate hosts of the liver fluke Fasciola spp. and therefore play an important role in the parasite’s life cycle. The study is conducted to determine specificity of snail host-parasite interaction and to determine the snail-trematode infection rate by cercarial emergence, characterizing the emerging larvae using standardized key. Materials and Methods. A total of 750 snails were collected from a rice field in Barangay Cawongan, Padre Garcia, Batangas, from November 2016 to March 2017 (n=150/month). Preliminary snail identification was based on morphological features of the shell. Each snail was acclimatized for 24 hours in a 50-ml capacity container before being exposed to strong artificial light. The 150 snails collected per month were grouped into 5 batches (n=30/batch) with each batch receiving different number of light exposures. Emerging cercariae were described and characterized using photo-referencing and standardized keys. All statistical tests were performed at p<0.05 level of significance using SPSS ver. 20. Results. The total cercarial shedding rate of the snails studied, as a measure of the infected snails, was found to be 35.6% and was positively associated with the length of the snail shell [OR = 1.809; 95% CI: 1.471–2.225; p<0.001], but not with the weight [OR = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.00–0.275; p=0.012] and width of the shell [OR = 0.937; 95% CI: 0.672–1.305]. The rates varied from 29.3% to 38.0% based on the frequency of 6-hour light exposure. Appearance of encysted forms increased with increasing number of light exposures [OR = 10.27, 95% CI: 3.04–34.76, p<0.001]. Three distinct cercariae were identified, namely, echinostome, longifurcate-pharyngeate distome cercariae (Strigea cercariae), and the virgulate xiphidiocercaria, with 26.4%, 2.27%, and 0.67% infection monitored by cercarial emergence, respectively. Conclusion. Local lymnaeid snails were infected with a single type of trematode larvae and coinfection with multiple larvae was rare but was encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trunk shakers are widely used for olive harvesting, being the main detachment system for fruit harvesting. In recent decades, the components of trunk shakers have evolved at mechanical, hydraulic and control levels. However, machine accuracy depends on the operator, whose expertise is a key factor for issues such as trunk debarking caused by grabbing systems, shaking parameters, or on-foot operator safety. The objective of this work was to develop an automatic trunk-detection system to reduce operator influence on the process. Thus, the automatic system via infrared sensor was implemented on a trunk shaker head hitched to a tractor. A control algorithm, control logic and display for trunk grabbing automation were developed. The automatic system was tested under laboratory and field conditions to assess the influence of some variables on trunk detection. The evaluated variables were colour, material, diameter, and target location within the sensor field of vision. The success rate of the automatic system was 91% for trunk grabbing. In the field phase, the efficacy of the automatic system was compared to an operator performing the tasks manually, obtaining times of 16.05 ± 2.8 s tree −1 and 21.54 ± 5.29 s tree −1 respectively, and a percentage of success in trunk grabbing of 92.9%. Automatic mode improved manual mode by saving 27.3% of time, improving effective field capacity. The automatic mode developed here provided a high ratio of success and it showed highly reliable and efficient performance compared with manual mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix-embedded, surface-attached microbial communities, known as biofilms, profusely colonise industrial cooling water systems, where the availability of nutrients and organic matter favours rapid microbial proliferation and their adhesion to surfaces in the evaporative fill material, heat exchangers, water reservoir and cooling water sections and pipelines. The extensive growth of biofilms can promote micro-biofouling and microbially induced corrosion (MIC) as well as pose health problems associated with the presence of pathogens like Legionella pneumophila. This review examines critically biofilm occurrence in cooling water systems and the main factors potentially affecting biofilm growth, biodiversity and structure. A broad evaluation of the most relevant biofilm monitoring and control strategies currently used or potentially useful in cooling water systems is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The harvesting process of the olive tree is mainly performed by manual means, because traditional olive orchards (the main planting typology) are formed of irregular, large-canopy trees that are very difficult to harvest mechanically. For that reason, the cost of harvesting is very high, and it threatens the future of these plantations whose conversion to other more modern layouts is not always possible due to several limitations. The introduction of a harvester may represent the technological change that is the key factor for improved competitiveness. The main purpose of this work was to develop a harvester based on canopy shaker technology for work on irregular, large trees in a circular path. The design of the harvester was based on a determination of tree geometry, together with tree training. Field tests were used to determine machine-tree interaction, and to evaluate the removal, catch frame and driven systems. The proposed innovation allowed the fully mechanical harvest of previously planted trees with a removal efficiency of over 84%, achieving an effective field capacity of 0.21 hm²/h. Although the results so far have been promising, further improvements are advisable in machine and tree adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Findings showing that neonatal lesions of the forebrain dopaminergic system in rodents lead to juvenile locomotor hyperactivity and learning deficits have been taken as evidence of face validity for the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, the core cognitive and physiological intermediate phenotypes underlying this rodent syndrome remain unknown. Here we show that early postnatal dopaminergic lesions cause long-lasting deficits in exploitation of shelter, social and nutritional resources, and an imbalanced exploratory behavior, where nondirected local exploration is exacerbated, whereas sophisticated search behaviors involving sequences of goal directed actions are degraded. Importantly, some behavioral deficits do not diminish after adolescence but instead worsen or mutate, particularly those related to the exploration of wide and spatially complex environments. The in vivo electrophysiological recordings and morphological reconstructions of striatal medium spiny neurons reveal corticostriatal alterations associated to the behavioral phenotype. More specifically, an attenuation of corticostriatal functional connectivity, affecting medial prefrontal inputs more markedly than cingulate and motor inputs, is accompanied by a contraction of the dendritic arbor of striatal projection neurons in this animal model. Thus, dopaminergic neurons are essential during postnatal development for the functional and structural maturation of corticostriatal connections. From a bottom-up viewpoint, our findings suggest that neuropsychiatric conditions presumably linked to developmental alterations of the dopaminergic system should be evaluated for deficits in foraging decision making, alterations in the recruitment of corticostriatal circuits during foraging tasks, and structural disorganization of the frontostriatal connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeting visually identified neurons for electrophysiological recording is a fundamental neuroscience technique; however, its potential is hampered by poor visualization of pipette tips in deep brain tissue. We describe quantum dot-coated glass pipettes that provide strong two-photon contrast at deeper penetration depths than those achievable with current methods. We demonstrated the pipettes' utility in targeted patch-clamp recording experiments and single-cell electroporation of identified rat and mouse neurons in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper explores the possibility of using the Moire-Fourier deflectometry for measuring the local heat transfer coefficient inside small confined flows (micro-channels) and their relevance for checking theoretical models. This optical technique, supplemented with a digital image processing method of fringes, is applied for studying the local heat transfer over a backward facing step. The experimental results are compared with numerical results obtained from a commercial code, which has been contrasted with relevant solutions from the literature and bulk fluid temperature measurements at the inlet and outlet sections. In order to show the possibilities of the experimental technique, the influence of assuming an adiabatic wall on the numerical heat-transfer model is examined and the degree of agreement is discussed. As a result, the paper shows that the proposed Moiré-Fourier technique is a simple experimental setup suitable for temperature measurements with an accuracy similar to the thermocouples but with a spatial resolution near 0.01 mm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evoked striatal field potentials are seldom used to study corticostriatal communication in vivo because little is known about their origin and significance. Here we show that striatal field responses evoked by stimulating the prelimbic cortex in mice are reduced by more than 90% after infusing the AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX close to the recording electrode. Moreover, the amplitude of local field responses and dPSPs recorded in striatal medium spiny neurons increase in parallel with increasing stimulating current intensity. Finally, the evoked striatal fields show several of the basic known properties of corticostriatal transmission, including paired pulse facilitation and topographical organization. As a case study, we characterized the effect of local GABAA receptor blockade on striatal field and multiunitary action potential responses to prelimbic cortex stimulation. Striatal activity was recorded through a 24 channel silicon probe at about 600 mm from a microdialysis probe. Intrastriatal administration of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline increased by 65±7% the duration of the evoked field responses. Moreover, the associated action potential responses were markedly enhanced during bicuculline infusion. Bicuculline enhancement took place at all the striatal sites that showed a response to cortical stimulation before drug infusion, but sites showing no field response before bicuculline remained unresponsive during GABAA receptor blockade. Thus, the data demonstrate that fast inhibitory connections exert a marked temporal regulation of input-output transformations within spatially delimited striatal networks responding to a cortical input. Overall, we propose that evoked striatal fields may be a useful tool to study corticostriatal synaptic connectivity in relation to behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE. Seminal-sparing cystectomy is reported in literature only with reference to oncological conditions. However, it can be applied also in non-neoplastic conditions in young patients with good renal function. In the present report we will describe our experience in this field, with special reference to erectile function, urinary continence, fertility and feasibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Between 2000 and 2009 we have treated five patients with seminal- sparing cystectomy for benign conditions, namely sclerosing cystitis, tuberculosis and a benign paraganglioma. All patients underwent a complete diagnostic evaluation including CT of upper abdomen and pelvis, and bone scintigraphy. Digital rectal examination was normal, PSA less than 2.5, with a free to total ratio above 25%. Cystectomy was performed, leaving in situ vas deferent, seminal vesicles, neuro vascular bundles and prostatic capsule. Finally, an ortho topic bladder was performed. The ileal segment was anastomized to the prosta tic capsule. RESULTS. All patients had uneventful recoveries and were continent within 2 weeks from the operation. Erectile function was maintained in all cases; in one patients fertility was preserved. CONCLUSIONS. In our experience, seminal-sparing cystectomy showed satisfactory clinical and functional preliminary results in selected patients. Young males, for whom maintenance of bladder function and sexual activity have a great impact on their quality of life, can be offered this alternative surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered corticostriatal information processing associated with early dopamine systems dysfunction may contribute to attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mice with neonatal dopamine-depleting lesions exhibit hyperactivity that wanes after puberty and is reduced by psychostimulants, reminiscent of some aspects of ADHD. To assess whether the maturation of corticostriatal functional connectivity is altered by early dopamine depletion, we examined preadolescent and postadolescent urethane-anesthetized mice with or without dopamine-depleting lesions. Specifically, we assessed (1) synchronization between striatal neuron discharges and oscillations in frontal cortex field potentials and (2) striatal neuron responses to frontal cortex stimulation. In adult control mice striatal neurons were less spontaneously active, less responsive to cortical stimulation, and more temporally tuned to cortical rhythms than in infants. Striatal neurons from hyperlocomotor mice requiredmorecurrent to respond to cortical input and were less phase locked to ongoing oscillations, resulting in fewer neurons responding to refined cortical commands. By adulthood some electrophysiological deficits waned together with hyperlocomotion, but striatal spontaneous activity remained substantially elevated. Moreover, dopamine-depleted animals showing normal locomotor scores exhibited normal corticostriatal synchronization, suggesting that the lesion allows, but is not sufficient, for the emergence of corticostriatal changes and hyperactivity. Although amphetamine normalized corticostriatal tuning in hyperlocomotor mice, it reduced horizontal activity in dopamine-depleted animals regardless of their locomotor phenotype, suggesting that amphetamine modified locomotion through a parallel mechanism, rather than that modified by dopamine depletion. In summary, functional maturation of striatal activity continues after infancy, and early dopamine depletion delays the maturation of core functional capacities of the corticostriatal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered corticostriatal information processing associated with early dopamine systems dysfunction may contribute to attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mice with neonatal dopamine-depleting lesions exhibit hyperactivity that wanes after puberty and is reduced by psychostimulants, reminiscent of some aspects of ADHD. To assess whether the maturation of corticostriatal functional connectivity is altered by early dopamine depletion, we examined preadolescent and postadolescent urethane-anesthetized mice with or without dopamine-depleting lesions. Specifically, we assessed (1) synchronization between striatal neuron discharges and oscillations in frontal cortex field potentials and (2) striatal neuron responses to frontal cortex stimulation. In adult control mice striatal neurons were less spontaneously active, less responsive to cortical stimulation, and more temporally tuned to cortical rhythms than in infants. Striatal neurons from hyperlocomotor mice required more current to respond to cortical input and were less phase locked to ongoing oscillations, resulting in fewer neurons responding to refined cortical commands. By adulthood some electrophysiological deficits waned together with hyperlocomotion, but striatal spontaneous activity remained substantially elevated. Moreover, dopamine-depleted animals showing normal locomotor scores exhibited normal corticostriatal synchronization, suggesting that the lesion allows, but is not sufficient, for the emergence of corticostriatal changes and hyperactivity. Although amphetamine normalized corticostriatal tuning in hyperlocomotor mice, it reduced horizontal activity in dopamine-depleted animals regardless of their locomotor phenotype, suggesting that amphetamine modified locomotion through a parallel mechanism, rather than that modified by dopamine depletion. In summary, functional maturation of striatal activity continues after infancy, and early dopamine depletion delays the maturation of core functional capacities of the corticostriatal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical treatment for the most commonly encountered types of renal stones is described. Nowadays treatment for uric acid stones is well-defined: alkalinizing urine is easy with drugs that are sufficiently active and well enough managed. Relapse is avoided in a high percentage of patients. Medical treatment of phosphate or calcium stones is a more open question as results are far from satisfactory compared with intra- and extra-corporeal approaches which are often minimally invasive and well accepted by both patient and urologist. Relapses are not easy to control because prophylactic measures such as changes in lifestyle and diet are never activated or because they are adopted for a brief period of time. Water therapy is examined, with the choice of water depending on the type of stone, together with drug therapy. Drugs such as citrate, with or without magnesium, and thiazides are considered excellent for curing renal stones and relapses. Although medical therapy has a limited role in many types of stones, its use is decisive in some others. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Table olive harvesting is highly dependent on manual labour and may jeopardize the crop benefit. The introduction of a mechanical harvest system requires a global evaluation of the whole process. A trunk shaker along with shaker combs and a continuous canopy shaker harvester have been tested in two orchards with different tree training and layout to determine their feasibility to mechanical harvesting in table olives. For that purpose, several parameters have been evaluated. Canopy shaker required adapted orchard layout and hedge of canopies for reaching an acceptable harvesting efficiency about 80% and trunk shaker performed a higher efficiency of more than 95% but depended highly on labour. Both systems had a high field capacity about 0.15 ha h-1 but low for the trunk shaker considering the people (0.01 ha h1 person-1). The vibration pattern that applied on branches was totally different although the quantitative tree damages were no significative different. There were no significant differences in fruit bruising between both systems, but there were between the different sampling points, mainly in the detachment. The fruit bruising index of the remaining fruit on canopy suggests that it is possible to perform a second harvest. Both mechanical systems are suitable for table olive harvesting whilst improving the efficiency of manual systems with bearable damages, but each one has pros and cons that must be considered bearing in mind that require an adaptation of the orchard where there are applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus is mainly oriented to fresh consumption, and harvesting is usually performed manually. However, the high cost of harvesting and the low availability of labour can compromise the profitability of the crop when it is destined to juice industry. The development of citrus mechanical harvesting for industrial processing is conditioned to reach a high fruit removal efficiency, with a reduced damage to both fruit and trees. The current machines available are very large, requiring extensive plantations with long rows of trees to be efficient. In this study, two lateral canopy shakers equipped with a catch frame were evaluated to harvest independently both sides of the hedge on intensive citrus plantations with the main objective of determining their performance and feasibility. The lateral canopy shakers tested were three tractor-drawn machines, one commercial machine and two prototypes. The tested machines reached a mean value of 78% of fruit removal. Besides, the prototypes, equipped with a catch frame, were able to recover a mean value of 70% of yield. Although the results were promising, for achieving an efficient result, the application of this harvesting technology still requires a process of improvement, and the adaptation of both the machine and the plantation. The machines should reduce the amount of post-harvest ground fruit (5.9%-10.4%). Tree damages generated by the contact of the catch frame with the trunk and the metal rods with main branches were the most relevant. Therefore, it is still necessary to increase the ground speed of the machinery and improving the design of the rods, regulating the rod penetrating deep in the canopy to improve the fruit recovery and limit the damage caused to the trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Neuronal motor commands, whether generating real or neuroprosthetic movements, are shaped by ongoing sensory feedback from the displacement being produced. Here we asked if cortical stimulation could provide artificial feedback during operant conditioning of cortical neurons. Simultaneous two-photon imaging and real-time optogenetic stimulation were used to train mice to activate a single neuron in motor cortex (M1), while continuous feedback of its activity level was provided by proportionally stimulating somatosensory cortex. This artificial signal was necessary to rapidly learn to increase the conditioned activity, detect correct performance, and maintain the learned behavior. Population imaging in M1 revealed that learning-related activity changes are observed in the conditioned cell only, which highlights the functional potential of individual neurons in the neocortex. Our findings demonstrate the capacity of animals to use an artificially induced cortical channel in a behaviorally relevant way and reveal the remarkable speed and specificity at which this can occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crown porosity influences radiation interception, air movement through the fruit orchard, spray penetration, and harvesting operation in fruit crops. The aim of the present study was to develop an accurate and reliable methodology based on transmitted radiation measurements to assess the porosity of traditional olive trees under different pruning treatments. Transmitted radiation was employed as an indirect method to measure crown porosity in two olive orchards of the Picual and Hojiblanca cultivars. Additionally, three different pruning treatments were considered to determine if the pruning system influences crown porosity. This study evaluated the accuracy and repeatability of four algorithms in measuring crown porosity under different solar zenith angles. From a 14 to 30 solar zenith angle, the selected algorithm produced an absolute error of less than 5% and a repeatability higher than 0.9. The described method and selected algorithm proved satisfactory in field results, making it possible to measure crown porosity at different solar zenith angles. However, pruning fresh weight did not show any relationship with crown porosity due to the great differences between removed branches. A robust and accurate algorithm was selected for crown porosity measurements in traditional olive trees, making it possible to discern between different pruning treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensors, communication systems and geo-reference units are required to achieve an optimized management of agricultural inputs with respect to the economic and environmental aspects of olive groves. In this study, three commercial olive harvesters were tracked during two harvesting seasons in Spain and Chile using remote and autonomous equipment that was developed to determine their time efficiency and effective based on canopy shaking for fruit detachment. These harvesters work in intensive/high-density (HD) and super-high-density (SHD) olive orchards. A GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) device was installed to track these harvesters. The GNSS receiver did not affect the driver's work schedule. Time elements methodology was adapted to the remote data acquisition system. The effective field capacity and field efficiency were investigated. In addition, the field shape, row length, angle between headland alley and row, and row alley width were measured to determinate the optimum orchard design parameters value. The SHD olive harvester showed significant lower effective field capacity values when alley width was less than 4 m. In addition, a yield monitor was developed and installed on a traditional olive harvester to obtain a yield map from the harvested area. The hedge straddle harvester stood out for its highly effective field capacity; nevertheless, a higher field efficiency was provided by a non-integral lateral canopy shaker. All of the measured orchard parameters have influenced machinery yields, whether effective field capacity or field efficiency. A saving of 40% in effective field capacity was achieved with a reduction from 4 m or higher to 3.5 m in alley width for SHD olive harvester. A yield map was plotted using data that were acquired by a yield monitor, reflecting the yield gradient in spite of the larger differences between tree yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional olive tree growing is a symbol of the Mediterranean basin agriculture. Technological development of this mostly rainfed crop has been reduced and related with employment in rural areas. In order to improve the harvesting process of this crop, this study analyses the available technologies used for fruit detachment and the introduction of a continuous harvesting system, based on a tractor-drawn canopy shaker, to work around the large canopy trees. Results showed that harvest efficiency of mass mechanical systems, such as a trunk shaker (90.5%) and canopy shaker (78.8%), was lower than that of manual harvesting and hand-held harvesting systems (98%). However, these last systems led to high debris production because they mainly extend the harvest time to increase harvest efficiency. Canopy shaker system applied the forced vibration directly to the fruit-bearing branches. This characteristic recognised that vibration transmission plays a less important role on the fruit detachment process. The continuous harvesting process around the large canopy trees in traditional olive orchards enabled relatively high harvest efficiency values to be achieved, considering the trees were not adapted to mechanical harvesting. High harvesting efficiency values were obtained mainly where the rods were in contact with the canopy. An adaptation of the tree through pruning is required to avoid large irregularities in the tree canopy, reduce fruiting inside the canopy that is unreachable by the canopy shaker rods and facilitate the penetration of the rods into the canopy in order to achieve higher harvest efficiency values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Bruises on olives occur mainly during harvesting and postharvest handling operations. [•] Bruise susceptibility is obtained by measuring bruise volume after a drop test. [•] Bruise susceptibility mainly depends on variety and impact energy. [•] Visible and near-infrared spectroscopy allows studying bruise time evolution. [•] Mitigate bruises require reducing processing time in postharvest operations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bruise damage on table olives is the main factor that reduces fruit quality and leads to a severe loss of product during harvesting and postharvest handling operations. The Manzanilla cultivar is the most important table olive variety and it is also very susceptible to the formation of bruises. In this study, visible and near-infrared spectroscopy techniques were used to detect bruise damage on fruit with different absorbed impact energy levels (low = 13 ± 2 mJ, medium = 27 ± 2 mJ and high = 58 ± 7 mJ). The visible spectral region of 535–680 nm was used to distinguish between undamaged and damaged fruit for qualitative analysis. The greater differences in reflectance in the near-infrared region of 700–950 nm enabled a good quantitative analysis by distinguishing between the different impact energy levels. Modified partial least square models were developed to determine the bruise volume in damaged fruits and the absorbed energy during impact. Good fits (r 2 = 0.87–0.90) were obtained between the values predicted by visible and near infrared spectroscopy and the values measured in laboratory by the reference methods for bruise volume and absorbed impact energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

New actions in D = 2 and D = 3 are proposed that are dual equivalent to known theories displaying well-defined chirality and helicity, respectively, along with new interpolating actions mapping continuously through the original dualities. The new chiral action in D = 2 is a second-order theory displaying the chiral constraint dynamically. In D = 3 the helicity constraint is imposed a la Siegel displaying a continuous mapping between the Maxwell–Chern–Simons and the self-dual model. It is also shown that the resulting theories introduce new versions of the Hull noton to take care of the symmetry aspects of the original models. The new interpolating formulation is then reexamined as a condensed phase for the discussion of duality under the light of the dual mechanisms — Julia–Toulouse and Higgs — establishing new interpolating actions in the dilute phase, according to these mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To date, the neurochemical basis underlying the motor and cognitive deficits described in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear. Since the neuropeptide somatostatin (SRIF) and the striatum have been implicated in movement control and implicit memory, the aim of this study was to analyze the striatal somatostatinergic system in an animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Female Lewis rats were immunized with an emulsion containing myelin basic protein (MBP) in complete Freund’s adjuvant to induce the disease. The animals were decapitated when limp tail (grade 1) or severe hind limb paralysis (grade 3) was observed. Acute EAE in grade 3 did not modify striatal somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SRIF-LI) content but decreased the overall SRIF receptor density, without affecting the apparent affinity, in the rat striatal membranes. A selective reduction in the protein levels of the SRIF receptor subtype sst2, analyzed by Western blotting, was detected in the EAE rats, which correlated with decreased sst2 mRNA levels. The expression of the receptor subtypes sst1, sst3 or sst4 was unaltered by the disease. The decrease in the SRIF receptor density was accompanied by an attenuated capacity of SRIF to inhibit both basal and forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. No significant changes, however, were found in the protein levels of Gi proteins (Giα1, Giα2 or Giα3) nor in those of the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase subtypes GRK2, GRK5 or GRK6. Acute EAE in grade 1 did not modify any of the parameters studied. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that acute EAE, in grade 3, disrupts the rat striatal SRIF receptor-effector system. These findings provide new insight into the molecular basis of EAE which might contribute to a better understanding of multiple sclerosis in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have recently identified and characterized a Kruppel-like zinc finger protein (BERF-1), that functions as a repressor of β enolase gene transcription. By interspecific backcross analysis the gene encoding BERF-1 was localized 4.7 cM proximal to the Mtv6 locus on mouse chromosome 16, and an isolated pseudogene was localized to mouse chromosome 8, about 5.3 cM distal to the D8Mit4 marker. Nucleotide sequence identity and chomosome location indicate that the gene encoding BERF-1 is the mouse homologue (Zfp148 ) of ZNF148 localized to human chromosome 3q21, a common translocation site in acute myeloid leukemia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyses the transmission of vibrations generated from a multidirectional trunk shaker to olive tree structure considering both the aerial zone (trunk and branches) and the underground zone (the coarse root). The vibration characterization was conducted by measuring acceleration on several points of the tree during harvesting operations. The influence of two different heights of shaker head clamping was analysed. In addition, a dynamic probing was performed in order to evaluate soil compaction. The results showed that the vibration performed by the trunk shaker head, corresponding to an acceleration resultant of approximately 77 ms-2 with a dominant vibration frequency of 18 Hz, increased up to 106% in branches and decreased up to 90% in trunks. At root level, where the analysis was carried out at 1/3 and 2/3 of the coarse root length, the acceleration values diminished significantly to 17 ms-2 and 12 ms-2, respectively. Soil dynamic resistance was lower (36 kg cm-2) near the trees than between the trees (53 kg cm-2). The vibration transmission to the aerial and the underground parts diversely influences the dynamic behaviour of the olive tree, considering an operational frequency of a commercial trunk shaker. The assessment of vibration transmission to the aerial part could contribute to improve fruit detachment and reduce branch breaking and leaf detachment. While vibration transmission to the underground part rises new challenges considering soil compaction in olive groves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We studied the efficacy of using pre-cesarean delivery (CD) temporary occlusion of internal iliac arteries with balloon catheters in case of placenta previa-accreta in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes and to test accuracy of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prenatal diagnosis.Methods: From March 2014 to January 2018, women with an US and/or MRI diagnosis of placenta previa-accreta and a planned delivery were enrolled and divided into two groups: balloon catheterization group (women treated with preoperative catheters and CD) and control group (women candidates to elective CD).Results: 37 patients were enrolled: 16 in balloon catheterization group and 21 in control group. Significant differences were detected in estimated blood loss. Prophylactic balloon catheterization could reduce intraoperative red blood cell transfusion. The incidence of hysterectomy was lower in balloon group. No statistical difference was found for neonatal outcomes. Both US and MRI have showed to be useful and complementary to diagnose placenta previa-accreta.Conclusions: Temporal, perioperative, and prophylactic positioning of balloon vascular catheters is an effective method for managing severe hemorrhage caused by placenta previa-accreta as it reduced intraoperative blood loss, lessened perioperative hemostatic measures and intraoperative red cell transfusions, and reduced hysterectomies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive has a notable importance in countries of Mediterranean basin and its profitability depends on several factors such as actual yield, production cost or product price. Actual "on year" Yield (AY) is production (kg tree-1) in "on years", and this research attempts to relate it with geometrical parameters of the tree canopy. Regression equation to forecast AY based on manual canopy volume was determined based on data acquired from different orchard categories and cultivars during different harvesting seasons in southern Spain. Orthoimages were acquired with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) imagery calculating individual crown for relating to canopy volume and AY. Yield levels did not vary between orchard categories; however, it did between irrigated orchards (7000-17,000 kg ha-1) and rainfed ones (4000-7000 kg ha-1). After that, manual canopy volume was related with the individual crown area of trees that were calculated by orthoimages acquired with UAS imagery. Finally, AY was forecasted using both manual canopy volume and individual tree crown area as main factors for olive productivity. AY forecast only by using individual crown area made it possible to get a simple and cheap forecast tool for a wide range of olive orchards. Finally, the acquired information was introduced in a thematic map describing spatial AY variability obtained from orthoimage analysis that may be a powerful tool for farmers, insurance systems, market forecasts or to detect agronomical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetitive stimulation of cognitive forebrain circuits at frequencies capable of inducing corticostriatal long term plasticity is increasingly being used with therapeutic purposes in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. However, corticostriatal plasticity is rarely studied in the intact brain. Our aim was to study the mechanisms of corticostriatal long term depression (LTD) induced by high frequency stimulation (HFS) of the medial prefrontal cortex in vivo . Our main finding is that the LTD induced in the dorsomedial striatum by medial prefrontal cortex HFS in vivo (prefrontostriatal LTD) is not affected by manipulations that block or reduce the LTD induced in the dorsolateral striatum by motor cortex HFS in brain slices, including pharmacological dopamine receptor and CB1 receptor blockade, chronic nigrostriatal dopamine depletion, CB1 receptor genetic deletion and selective striatal cholinergic interneuron (SCIN) ablation. Conversely, like in the hippocampus and other brain areas, prefrontostriatal LTD is NMDA receptor dependent. Thus, we describe a novel form of corticostriatal LTD that operates in brain circuits involved in reward and cognition and could be relevant for understanding the therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of head fixation in mice is increasingly common in research, its use having initially been restricted to the field of sensory neuroscience. Head restraint has often been combined with fluid control, rather than food restriction, to motivate behaviour, but this too is now in use for both restrained and non-restrained animals. Despite this, there is little guidance on how best to employ these techniques to optimise both scientific outcomes and animal welfare. This article summarises current practices and provides recommendations to improve animal wellbeing and data quality, based on a survey of the community, literature reviews, and the expert opinion and practical experience of an international working group convened by the UK's National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs). Topics covered include head fixation surgery and post-operative care, habituation to restraint, and the use of fluid/food control to motivate performance. We also discuss some recent developments that may offer alternative ways to collect data from large numbers of behavioural trials without the need for restraint. The aim is to provide support for researchers at all levels, animal care staff, and ethics committees to refine procedures and practices in line with the refinement principle of the 3Rs. • Practical guidance on refining the surgery required for rodent head fixation. • Suggestions on best practice for fluid control to motivate behaviour. • Further recommendations on refining behavioural studies employing head fixation. • Informed by expert opinion, extensive literature reviews and an international survey. • Remaining data gaps and areas for future work identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that primary systemic amyloidosis [light chain ( AL) amyloidosis] is associated with hidden dyscrasia or multiple myeloma. Acquired cutis laxa (cutis laxa acquisita; CLA) has also been described in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias, including multiple myeloma. We report a case in which haemorrhagic oral bullae were the first sign of an undiagnosed primary systemic amyloidosis related to multiple myeloma IgG-λ and previously diagnosed CLA. There is only one report in literature of this rare triple association; however, in that case the patient did not have oral mucosal involvement or bullous amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic sensors are often used to adjust spray volume by allowing the calculation of the crown volume of tree crops. The special conditions of the olive tree require the use of long-range sensors, which are less accurate and faster than the most commonly used sensors. The main objectives of the study were to determine the suitability of the sensor in terms of sound cone determination, angle errors, crosstalk errors and field measurements. Different laboratory tests were performed to check the suitability of a commercial long-range ultrasonic sensor, as were the experimental determination of the sound cone diameter at several distances for several target materials, the determination of the influence of the angle of incidence of the sound wave on the target and distance on the accuracy of measurements for several materials and the determination of the importance of the errors due to interference between sensors for different sensor spacings and distances for two different materials. Furthermore, sensor accuracy was tested under real field conditions. The results show that the studied sensor is appropriate for olive trees because the sound cone is narrower for an olive tree than for the other studied materials, the olive tree canopy does not have a large influence on the sensor accuracy with respect to distance and angle, the interference errors are insignificant for high sensor spacings and the sensor's field distance measurements were deemed sufficiently accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low harvesting efficiency and fruit damage are the main limitations for trunk shakers in the harvesting of table olives. Different cultivations of olive orchards, variations in the fruit properties over the harvesting season, and a wide range of machines both characterise and hamper the harvesting process in several traditional olive producing countries, such as Spain. The aim of the work reported was to develop the mechanical harvesting of existing orchards using commercial trunk shakers maximising the quantity of harvested fruit while maintaining its quality. Results showed that the mean value of harvesting efficiency with trunk shakers was 74%, when additional rod beating or abscission agents were not applied. In orchards where the trees were trained into shapes that facilitated the transmission of vibration, fruit properties had a limited effect on harvesting efficiency. In order to achieve harvesting efficiency >85%, tree trunk vibration parameters were set above an acceleration value of 183.4 m s −2 , and at a frequency of 28.1 Hz. Although increasing the trunk acceleration improved harvesting efficiency, it led to an increase in damage to the harvested fruit. Damage caused to the fruit through mechanical harvesting was 3.5 times greater than the damage caused by manual harvesting. Adjusting the vibration parameters, limiting the power of the machine, training the canopy to reduce volume and facilitating the vibration transmission to the fruit, together with effective post-harvest field treatments that maintain the fruit quality, are all required to ensure the success of vibration harvesting systems for green olives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Extraordinarily high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence rates have been reported in Venezuelan Amerindians. Amerindian populations often live in geographically isolated villages where they receive little medical attention and live under precarious sanitary conditions. TB prevalence varies by ethnicity and geographic location and is generally higher in Amerindians than in non-indigenous (Creole) people. Methodology: Between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2009, the tuberculin skin test (TST) was administered during field operations to 9,538 Amerindian and Creole people between 0 and 94 years of age living in Venezuela. In 6,979 individuals (73%), Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination status, age, and ethnicity were recorded.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the influence of previous BCG vaccination, age, and ethnicity on TST outcomes. Results: Age, ethnicity, and the number of BCG vaccinations administered each had a significant influence on TST outcomes (p < 0.001). The influence of BCG vaccination on TST outcomes varied by ethnicity and was only significant in children aged between 0 and 3 years. Conclusions: The utility of TST in the diagnosis of TB infection in high TB burden settings with widespread BCG vaccination should be evaluated locally and individually as this depends on ethnicity, age, and the number of BCG vaccinations administered. In Venezuelan children 4 years of age and older, the TST remains a useful tool for the detection of TB infection, independent of BCG vaccination status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fracture is the major complication of osteoporosis, and it allows the identification of individuals needing medical intervention for osteoporosis. After nonvertebral fracture, patients often do not receive osteoporosis medical treatment despite evidence that this treatment reduces the risk of subsequent fracture. In this pre planned analysis of the results of the three-year, placebo-controlled FREEDOM trial, we evaluated the effect of denosumab administration on fracture-healing to address theoretical concerns related to initiating or continuing denosumab therapy in patients presenting with a nonvertebral fracture.Methods: Postmenopausal women aged sixty to ninety years with osteoporosis were randomized to receive 60 mg of denosumab (n = 3902) or a placebo (n = 3906) subcutaneously every six months for three years. Investigators reported complications associated with a fracture or its management and with fracture-healing for all nonvertebral fractures that occurred during the study. Delayed healing was defined as incomplete fracture-healing six months after the fracture.Results: Six hundred and sixty-seven subjects (303 treated with denosumab and 364 who received a placebo) had a total of 851 nonvertebral fractures (386 in the denosumab group and 465 in the placebo group), including 199 fractures (seventy-nine in the denosumab group and 120 in the placebo group) that were treated surgically. Delayed healing was reported in seven subjects (two in the denosumab group and five in the placebo group), including one with subsequent nonunion (in the placebo group). Neither delayed healing nor nonunion was observed in any subject who had received denosumab within six weeks preceding or following the fracture. A complication associated with the fracture or intervention occurred in five subjects (2%) and twenty subjects (5%) in the denosumab and placebo groups,respectively (p = 0.009).Conclusions: Denosumab in a dose of 60 mg every six months does not seem to delay fracture-healing or contribute to other complications, even when it is administered at or near the time of the fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Up states are a hallmark of striatal physiology. Spontaneous activity in the thalamo-cortical network drives robust plateau depolarizations in the medium spiny projection neurons of the striatum. Medium spiny neuron firing is only possible during up states and is very tightly regulated by dopamine and NMDA receptors. In a rat model of Parkinson’s disease the medium spiny neurons projecting to the globus pallidus (indirect pathway) show more depolarized up states and increased firing. This is translated into abnormal patterns of synchronization between the globus pallidus and frontal cortex, which are believed to underlie the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Here we review our work in the field and propose a mechanism through which the lack of D2 receptor stimulation in the striatum allows the establishment of fixed routes of information flow in the cortico–striato-pallidal network. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cue-induced cocaine seeking intensifies or incubates after withdrawal from extended access cocaine self-administration, a phenomenon termed incubation of cocaine craving. The expression of incubated craving is mediated by Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Thus, CP-AMPARs are a potential target for therapeutic intervention, making it important to understand mechanisms that govern their accumulation. Here we used subcellular fractionation and biotinylation of NAc tissue to examine the abundance and distribution of AMPAR subunits, and GluA1 phosphorylation, in the incubation model. We also studied two transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs), γ-2 and γ-4. Our results, together with earlier findings, suggest that some of the new CP-AMPARs are synaptic. These are probably associated with γ-2, but they are loosely tethered to the PSD. Levels of GluA1 phosphorylated at serine 845 (pS845 GluA1) were significantly increased in biotinylated tissue and in an extrasynaptic membrane-enriched fraction. These results suggest that increased synaptic levels of CP-AMPARs may result in part from an increase in pS845 GluA1 in extrasynaptic membranes, given that S845 phosphorylation primes GluA1-containing AMPARs for synaptic insertion and extrasynaptic AMPARs supply the synapse. Some of the new extrasynaptic CP-AMPARs are likely associated with γ-4, rather than γ-2. The maintenance of CP-AMPARs in NAc synapses during withdrawal is accompanied by activation of CaMKII and ERK2 but not CaMKI. Overall, AMPAR plasticity in the incubation model shares some features with better described forms of synaptic plasticity, although the timing of the phenomenon and the persistence of related neuroadaptations are significantly different. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Synaptic Plasticity and Addiction’. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate, in a clinical practice setting, the effectiveness of olanzapine in the treatment of schizophrenia among partially-responding, symptomatic Asian patients who switch from conventional antipsychotic treatment, (2) to assess the safety of olanzapine and (3) to assess the change in quality of life in Asian patients with schizophrenia who switch to olanzapine. Methods: Effectiveness, safety and quality of life were assessed in outpatients with schizophrenia (n =1267) who lacked symptomatic control with conventional antipsychotics and were switched to olanzapine therapy. Data for this prospective, observational study were collected for 12 months from Asian patients in China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan. Results: Significant clinical improvements (P <0.05) were observed following 12 months of olanzapine treatment and 87.3% of the subjects responded to treatment at endpoint (i.e. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale Total score reduced by ≥30% relative to baseline; last observation carried forward). Abnormal involuntary movements (mean change in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale: −3.20, P <0.001) and quality of life were significantly improved in patients treated with olanzapine. However, some patients experienced significant weight gain (3.60±4.50 kg, P <0.001) with olanzapine treatment, relative to baseline. Conclusions: This study shows that switching to olanzapine may be effective in improving symptoms, may be well-tolerated and may improve the quality of life in Asian patients who are only partially responsive to treatment with conventional antipsychotics. The pragmatic design and naturalistic setting of this large study make the findings relevant for treating patients from some Asian countries in routine clinical practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The management of olive pruning residue has shifted from burning to shredding, laying residues on soil, or harvesting residues for use as a derivative. The objective of this research is to develop, test, and validate a methodology to measure the dimensions, outline, and bulk volume of pruning residue windrows in olive orchards using both a manual and a 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera. Trees were pruned using trunk shaker targeted pruning, from which two different branch sizes were selected to build two separate windrow treatments with the same pruning residue dose. Four windrows were built for each treatment, and four sampling points were selected along each windrow to take measurements using both manual and 3D ToF measurements. Windrow section outline could be defined using a polynomial or a triangular function, although manual measurement required processing with a polynomial function, especially for high windrow volumes. Different branch sizes provided to be significant differences for polynomial function coefficients, while no significant differences were found for windrow width. Bigger branches provided less bulk volume, which implied that these branches formed less porous windrows that smaller ones. Finally, manual and 3D ToF camera measurements were validated, giving an adequate performance for olive pruning residue windrow in-field assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Methodology to control olive traceability from field to consumer. • Development of an electronic device to set onboard machinery. • Development of a web application for data registering and visualizing. • A way of interconnect field and industry to share information. • Two ways for identifying origin of production through RFID and GPS technologies. Most of the advances made in olive traceability are focusing on the arrival of the fruit to industry but it is necessary to manage all the operations involved in the production chain. This work introduces a new machine-to-machine system that allows integrating all the information generated from the field to the market through a methodology for the real-time management of all operations carried out. The consumer can check the product history, farmers can consult and optimise their resources, and industry can control the operations performed. The system developed is composed of an electronic device, iOlivetrack-D, mounted on agricultural machinery which identify plots and sends the information generated to a web application, iOlivetrack-W. The system was tested in real working conditions obtaining good results in the identification of plots using RFID and GPS although the limitation about this technology must be considered for a commercial purpose. The registration of information associated in the web application has been carried successfully by an adaptable system that allow the access to the data in configurable ways. To complete the product chain information, industrial processing operations were simulated by entering the data manually through the application. Finally, a QR code was generated to provide consumer access to product traceability information that may be consulted in this paper. The work shows the pros and cons of this system which allows assured traceability of the entire production chain and the proper manage of the production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents analysis of volatile compounds extracted from the aerial parts of the tree Miconia ferruginata belonging to Melastomataceae family. The species known for therapeutic purpose in Brazil's Cerrado region was studied for its volatile compounds with the help of HS-SPME technique and was later analyzed by GC-MS. Sesquiterpenes alpha-humulene and beta caryophyllene with anti-inflammatory properties and phenylpropanoid eugenol of antiseptic value were determined.