Vertical distribution of brittle star larvae in two contrasting coastal embayments: implications for larval transport.

The ability of marine invertebrate larvae to control their vertical position shapes their dispersal pattern. In species characterized by large variations in population density, like many echinoderm species, larval dispersal may contribute to outbreak and die-off phenomena. A proliferation of the ophiuroid Ophiocomina nigra was observed for several years in western Brittany (France), inducing drastic changes on the benthic communities.

Dust exposure and health of workers in duck hatcheries.

Objectives: The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate dust exposure and respiratory health of workers in duck hatcheries in western France.

Material And Methods: Ninety volunteer workers, who work in sorting rooms and/or incubation rooms, participated in exposure assessments and medical examinations. Medical examinations were performed by occupational health practitioners.

Chronic respiratory symptoms of poultry farmers and model-based estimates of long-term dust exposure.

Objectives: The airborne contaminant exposure levels experienced by poultry farmers have raised concerns about the possible health hazards associated with them. Thus, a longitudinal project was instituted in France to monitor these exposures in poultry workers and to evaluate the long-term effect on health.

Method: Sixty-three workers in two different poultry housing systems were included (33 from floor-based systems and 30 from cage-based systems).

Endotoxin concentration in poultry houses for laying hens kept in cages or in alternative housing systems.

Endotoxins as components of organic dust may have adverse effects on the respiratory health of workers in poultry buildings. The move towards more welfare-friendly housing systems for layers may increase worker exposure to air contaminants due to the use of litter. The endotoxin concentrations in the inhalable fraction of airborne dust (below 100 µm) from cage and alternative system houses (on-floor, free range and aviaries) were compared under both experimental and commercial conditions.

Liver hyperplasia and paradoxical regulation of glycogen metabolism and glucose-sensitive gene expression in GLUT2-null hepatocytes. Further evidence for the existence of a membrane-based glucose release pathway.

We investigated the impact of GLUT2 gene inactivation on the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism during the fed to fast transition. In control and GLUT2-null mice, fasting was accompanied by a approximately 10-fold increase in plasma glucagon to insulin ratio, a similar activation of liver glycogen phosphorylase and inhibition of glycogen synthase and the same elevation in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase mRNAs. In GLUT2-null mice, mobilization of glycogen stores was, however, strongly impaired.