The procedures are described in the Supporting Materials. Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain Selleck Quizartinib reaction (RT-PCR), and measurement of ATP, NAD+/NADH ratio, and fatty acid (FA) uptake, are described in the Supporting Materials. First we tested whether RORα affected the activity of AMPK by measuring phosphorylation

at the threonine 172 residue of AMPK. Overexpression of RORα in HepG2 cells increased the amount of phosphorylated (p)AMPK, but not the expression level of AMPK. As ACC is inactivated by phosphorylation at serine 79 after AMPK activation, we measured the level of pACC. We found that the increase in the level of pAMPK was accompanied by the up-regulation of pACC. Treatment with CS, an activator of RORα, also induced the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, in a dose-dependent manner (Fig. 1A). Knockdown of RORα using siRNA did not increase either pAMPK or pACC in the presence of CS, indicating that CS activates AMPK via the activation of RORα (Fig. 1B). AMPK is activated by upstream kinases, such as the serine–threonine kinase liver TGF-beta inhibitor kinase B1 (LKB1) and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β. 6, 7 We observed that overexpression of RORα or CS treatment increased pLKB1 levels (Fig. 1C). However, treatment with STO609, an inhibitor of Ca2+ signaling, did not affect the RORα- or CS-induced activation of AMPK (Supporting Fig.

1), suggesting that RORα activates AMPK via the activation of LKB1, but not via Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β. Infection of HepG2 cells with the adenovirus (Ad)-RORα virus or treatment with CS led to a significant decrease in ATP levels. The NAD+/NADH

ratio was consistently increased after Ad-RORα infection or CS treatment (Fig. 1D). These biochemical changes may cause the elevation of pLKB1 and the subsequent activation of AMPK after activation of RORα. Next we asked whether LXRα activity was altered in the presence of RORα. Treatment of HepG2 cells with TO901317 or GW3965, activating ligands of LXRα, led to induction of the expression level of LXRα and its target gene products, SREBP-1c and FAS. However, these increases were abolished by overexpression of RORα or CS treatment (Fig. 2A and Supporting Fig. 2A). Knockdown of RORα expression by siRORα abolished this CS-induced 上海皓元 repression, indicating that RORα mediates the effect of CS (Fig. 2B). Reporter gene assays employing LXR response element (LXRE)-tk-Luc and SRE-tk-Luc provided additional evidence that RORα decreases transcriptional activity of LXRα (Fig. 2C and Supporting Fig. 2B). Both overexpression of RORα in, and CS treatment of, HepG2 cells decreased the mRNA levels of LXRα, SREBP-1c, and FAS (Fig. 3A). A luciferase reporter encoding the 3-kb-long upstream promoter of LXRα was activated by TO901317; however, the induction was inhibited in the presence of RORα.

This may explain why the optimal hepatectomy for HCC has not yet been agreed upon, despite numerous studies based on postoperative survival. BECAUSE HCC SPREADS through the blood flowing away from the

tumor, it is reasonable to determine the safety margin of locoregional therapy (e.g. hepatectomy or ablation therapy) by directly demonstrating the TBF. In 2000, we first reported the case of a HCC patient who underwent hepatectomy, the safety margin of which was based on TBF.[43] Because the blood flow from the tumor can be examined selleck by preoperative computed tomography (CT) under hepatic angiography (CTHA), the TBF drainage area (i.e. high-risk area for IM) is preoperatively demonstrated as the safety margin, namely, the distance between the edge of the tumor ABT-263 mw and the peripheral margin of the TBF drainage area (Fig. 1a,b). Hepatic dissection is performed, securing the safety margin, the adequacy of which is repeatedly

confirmed by intraoperative ultrasonography.[43] Using these procedures, the high-risk area of IM can be completely resected with a minimal but essential hepatectomy (Fig. 1c). However, patients with venous tumor invasion demonstrated preoperatively are not indicated for TBF-based hepatectomy because TBF is not correctly examined due to the interference by tumor thrombus. By comparing the CTHA images and the corresponding cut surface of the resected liver specimen, we could confirm that the safety margin was achieved (Fig. 1d). ACCORDING TO THE CTHA results, the TBF drainage area differs from tumor to tumor. Its shape is generally irregular and its width varies by site.[39] The TBF pattern is classified into three types: marginal, portal vein and hypovascular (Fig. 2). In the marginal type, the

TBF drainage area is limited to the peritumoral MCE region, which corresponds to the description of “corona enhancement” reported by Ueda et al.[44] Partial hepatic resection was commonly performed in these patients.[39] Major hepatic resection was performed only in selected patients with large tumors. In contrast, the portal vein type represents the TBF drainage through the major portal branches, and the anatomical hepatectomy, including lobectomy or segmentectomy, was performed to dissect the whole TBF drainage area. Tumors of hypovascular type have poor TBF, which is difficult to detect by CTHA. The safety margin cannot be determined in this type of HCC; therefore, only limited, partial hepatectomy with a minimal surgical margin was performed in these patients. TUMOR RECURRENCE AFTER surgery is caused either by IM or by MC. Theoretically, IM can be divided into the following two types according to the mechanism of hematogenous spread of tumor. Tumor blood first flows in the TBF drainage area, by which IM may develop. This type of IM is localized in this area, and tentatively designated as “local IM” because it can be treated by local therapy.

The WFH recognizes that the mechanisms for data collection vary considerably in different countries. The NMOs report the number of people with haemophilia A and B, and von Willebrand disease (VWD), and since 2004, those with other bleeding disorders. They also report what treatment products are available and the types of healthcare. Data about the population and economic status are gathered from other sources including the

World Health Organisation, and data from the World Bank enable estimates to be made, e.g. about the number of FVIII IUs used per capita of the population. Not every country is able to contribute to every survey, but overall the number of patients reported has increased from about 100 000 in 1998 to more than 250 000 people find more with bleeding disorders from 108 countries by 2011 [14]. These countries Midostaurin mw represent 90.6% of the world population although in some countries the ‘national’ data may only represent a small part of the total population. The quality of reporting is variable, but the caveats associated with this are carefully described in the first pages of each annual report. NMOs are encouraged to collaborate with their physicians, and so the survey may be completed by a national physician body (e.g. the comprehensive

systems developed by haemophilia doctors in the UK and Canada). Others have more limited local (to a city or region of a country) patient-led datasets. However, such ‘citizen science’ (using voluntary and self-reported data) is now an accepted way of obtaining valuable scientific information [15]. Development medchemexpress of registries is encouraged and has increased with time (from 41 countries in 2005 to 60 in 2010). The

cumulative data have proven very valuable. Serial reports demonstrate the progress in levels of care and treatment over time [16] (Fig. 7). In 2012–2013, a new database was set up which will facilitate and improve data collection and analysis. The data collection and analysis are overseen by a ‘data and demographics’ committee (with international experience from a variety of national registries and public health studies) working with WFH permanent staff members. With successive annual reports, countries have been able to compare themselves to others within their regions, and with those of comparable economic capacity. This provided further motivation for participation and the uptake of the survey increased because the information has been demonstrably valuable in enabling patient groups and their associated healthcare professionals to lobby for improved resources and care. Over successive years the quality of the data has improved; countries are encouraged to develop their registries. FVIII use has increased over time and the difference, between developed and developing countries, has decreased [17].

CFF was better in excluding MHE (sensitivity 84%, NPV 86%). But both tests applied together didnot improve either the sensitivity or the specificity of detecting

Deforolimus MHE. Conclusion: Computerized SCAN test is simple, easy to apply should be further studied to validate to detect MHE. Key Word(s): 1. CFF; 2. CRT; 3. MHE; Presenting Author: ABDUL RAUF Additional Authors: PANKAJ TYAGI, ASHISH KUMAR, PRAVEEN SHARMA, ANIL ARORA Corresponding Author: ABDUL RAUF, PANKAJ TYAGI, ASHISH KUMAR, PRAVEEN SHARMA, ANIL ARORA Affiliations: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Objective: Patients with Chronic liver disease are known to have malnutrition. However the data on prevalence of the type of anemia and etiology of anemia is sparse. To know the prevalence of anemia and etiology of anemia in patients with CLD. Methods: Consecutive patients of CLD in whom complete anemia profile were done were included in the study. Patients on hematinics or who were given packed cells infusion were excluded from the study. All patients had detailed history, examination, relevant blood investigation and complete anemia profile. Patients were divided into two group; Alcohol related CLD (ALD) and Other etiology of CLD (Non-ALD). Results: one hundred ten patients were included, male: female, 69%:31%. Fifty patients were in alcoholic group. Child A:B:C:: 15%:45%:40%. Anemia was present in 90% and 80% in ALD and Non-ALD respectively.

Leukopenia was present in 25% in ALD and 33% in Non-ALD. Iron deficiency was seen in 58% in Non ALD were as it was 35% in ALD group. Vitamin B12 deficiency APO866 nmr was seen in 15% in Non-ALD group and 5% in ALD group. Folic acid deficiency was seen in 5% in Non-ALD group and 15% in ALD group. Conclusion: Anemia is very common in CLD patients with Iron deficiency being the most common cause of the anemia. Key Word(s): 1. Anemia Profile; 2. CLD; 3. ALD; 4. Iron Deficiency; Presenting Author: MIN JIN KIM

Additional Authors: YOUNG SEOK KIM, YOUN HEE CHO, HEE YOON JANG, YUN NAH LEE, SANG MCE公司 GYUNE KIM, SAE HWAN LEE, JAE YOUNG JANG, HONG SU KIM, BOO SUNG KIM Corresponding Author: YOUNG SEOK KIM Affiliations: Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University School of Medicine Objective: Serum creatinine (sCr) and calculated creatinine clearance are of limited value as a early detection of renal dysfunction with liver cirrhosis (LC), especially in decompensated state. Many studies show that cystatin C (CysC) is a good predictor of renal dysfunction with LC, recently. We evaluated the usefulness of CysC based Leseley equation as a prognostic marker in patients with LC and normal sCr. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with decompensated LC and normal sCr who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital from February 2007 to April 2009.

CFF was better in excluding MHE (sensitivity 84%, NPV 86%). But both tests applied together didnot improve either the sensitivity or the specificity of detecting

Cell Cycle inhibitor MHE. Conclusion: Computerized SCAN test is simple, easy to apply should be further studied to validate to detect MHE. Key Word(s): 1. CFF; 2. CRT; 3. MHE; Presenting Author: ABDUL RAUF Additional Authors: PANKAJ TYAGI, ASHISH KUMAR, PRAVEEN SHARMA, ANIL ARORA Corresponding Author: ABDUL RAUF, PANKAJ TYAGI, ASHISH KUMAR, PRAVEEN SHARMA, ANIL ARORA Affiliations: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Objective: Patients with Chronic liver disease are known to have malnutrition. However the data on prevalence of the type of anemia and etiology of anemia is sparse. To know the prevalence of anemia and etiology of anemia in patients with CLD. Methods: Consecutive patients of CLD in whom complete anemia profile were done were included in the study. Patients on hematinics or who were given packed cells infusion were excluded from the study. All patients had detailed history, examination, relevant blood investigation and complete anemia profile. Patients were divided into two group; Alcohol related CLD (ALD) and Other etiology of CLD (Non-ALD). Results: one hundred ten patients were included, male: female, 69%:31%. Fifty patients were in alcoholic group. Child A:B:C:: 15%:45%:40%. Anemia was present in 90% and 80% in ALD and Non-ALD respectively.

Leukopenia was present in 25% in ALD and 33% in Non-ALD. Iron deficiency was seen in 58% in Non ALD were as it was 35% in ALD group. Vitamin B12 deficiency BMS-777607 solubility dmso was seen in 15% in Non-ALD group and 5% in ALD group. Folic acid deficiency was seen in 5% in Non-ALD group and 15% in ALD group. Conclusion: Anemia is very common in CLD patients with Iron deficiency being the most common cause of the anemia. Key Word(s): 1. Anemia Profile; 2. CLD; 3. ALD; 4. Iron Deficiency; Presenting Author: MIN JIN KIM

Additional Authors: YOUNG SEOK KIM, YOUN HEE CHO, HEE YOON JANG, YUN NAH LEE, SANG 上海皓元 GYUNE KIM, SAE HWAN LEE, JAE YOUNG JANG, HONG SU KIM, BOO SUNG KIM Corresponding Author: YOUNG SEOK KIM Affiliations: Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University School of Medicine Objective: Serum creatinine (sCr) and calculated creatinine clearance are of limited value as a early detection of renal dysfunction with liver cirrhosis (LC), especially in decompensated state. Many studies show that cystatin C (CysC) is a good predictor of renal dysfunction with LC, recently. We evaluated the usefulness of CysC based Leseley equation as a prognostic marker in patients with LC and normal sCr. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with decompensated LC and normal sCr who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital from February 2007 to April 2009.

CFF was better in excluding MHE (sensitivity 84%, NPV 86%). But both tests applied together didnot improve either the sensitivity or the specificity of detecting

buy Doxorubicin MHE. Conclusion: Computerized SCAN test is simple, easy to apply should be further studied to validate to detect MHE. Key Word(s): 1. CFF; 2. CRT; 3. MHE; Presenting Author: ABDUL RAUF Additional Authors: PANKAJ TYAGI, ASHISH KUMAR, PRAVEEN SHARMA, ANIL ARORA Corresponding Author: ABDUL RAUF, PANKAJ TYAGI, ASHISH KUMAR, PRAVEEN SHARMA, ANIL ARORA Affiliations: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Objective: Patients with Chronic liver disease are known to have malnutrition. However the data on prevalence of the type of anemia and etiology of anemia is sparse. To know the prevalence of anemia and etiology of anemia in patients with CLD. Methods: Consecutive patients of CLD in whom complete anemia profile were done were included in the study. Patients on hematinics or who were given packed cells infusion were excluded from the study. All patients had detailed history, examination, relevant blood investigation and complete anemia profile. Patients were divided into two group; Alcohol related CLD (ALD) and Other etiology of CLD (Non-ALD). Results: one hundred ten patients were included, male: female, 69%:31%. Fifty patients were in alcoholic group. Child A:B:C:: 15%:45%:40%. Anemia was present in 90% and 80% in ALD and Non-ALD respectively.

Leukopenia was present in 25% in ALD and 33% in Non-ALD. Iron deficiency was seen in 58% in Non ALD were as it was 35% in ALD group. Vitamin B12 deficiency BMN 673 was seen in 15% in Non-ALD group and 5% in ALD group. Folic acid deficiency was seen in 5% in Non-ALD group and 15% in ALD group. Conclusion: Anemia is very common in CLD patients with Iron deficiency being the most common cause of the anemia. Key Word(s): 1. Anemia Profile; 2. CLD; 3. ALD; 4. Iron Deficiency; Presenting Author: MIN JIN KIM

Additional Authors: YOUNG SEOK KIM, YOUN HEE CHO, HEE YOON JANG, YUN NAH LEE, SANG MCE公司 GYUNE KIM, SAE HWAN LEE, JAE YOUNG JANG, HONG SU KIM, BOO SUNG KIM Corresponding Author: YOUNG SEOK KIM Affiliations: Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University School of Medicine Objective: Serum creatinine (sCr) and calculated creatinine clearance are of limited value as a early detection of renal dysfunction with liver cirrhosis (LC), especially in decompensated state. Many studies show that cystatin C (CysC) is a good predictor of renal dysfunction with LC, recently. We evaluated the usefulness of CysC based Leseley equation as a prognostic marker in patients with LC and normal sCr. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with decompensated LC and normal sCr who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital from February 2007 to April 2009.

Many pathogenic factors have been proposed for FD, including motility abnormalities such as delayed gastric emptying, impaired gastric accommodation and hypersensitivity to gastric distension; psychological factors; excessive gastric acid secretion; H. pylori; genetics; environment in childhood and/or adolescence; diet; lifestyle; and prior GI infection.50–52 The major mechanism thought to induce FD symptoms includes

impaired accommodation, delayed gastric emptying, and visceral hypersensitivity, as well as other complicating factors.51,53 Pharmacological correction of abnormal gastric motility and visceral hypersensitivity has been considered as a valid therapeutic approach in FD; however, changes in motor function and symptomatic outcomes are selleck chemicals BMN 673 research buy poorly correlated.54 Current evidence suggests that FD is a heterogeneous disorder in which different pathophysiological disturbances are associated with different symptom profiles. Progress in understanding the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms should lead to better targeting of treatment in FD patients.50 Statement 14. Disturbed gastroduodenal motility is one of the pathophysiologic mechanisms in functional

dyspepsia. Grade of evidence: high. Level of agreement: a: 100.0%; b: 0%; c: 0%; d: 0%; e: 0%; f: 0%. Disturbed gastroduodenal motility is considered to be one of the major pathophysiologic mechanisms in FD.4,51 Abnormal gastric motility has been analyzed from different aspects by various measures, and differences in findings between health and diseases have been characterized. We intuitively recognize that delayed gastric emptying may be related to dyspeptic symptoms, especially feelings of retention of ingested food after a meal, which can be abdominal distension, bloating or fullness. There are many reports demonstrating delayed gastric emptying in patients with FD from both Western55,56 and Asian57–63 countries, and about 40% of FD patients

are thought to show delayed gastric emptying after ingestion of solid food.64 However, there are many studies that failed to show a direct connection between delayed gastric emptying and dyspeptic symptoms,65–67 suggesting that the relationship may not be entirely MCE公司 clear. On the other hand, much attention has recently been paid to impaired gastric accommodation, which is also known as adaptive relaxation. The accommodation reflex is a volume response of the upper part of the stomach after a meal. After ingestion of food, the gastric fundus spontaneously dilates and begins to store food. Such impairment of gastric accommodation is known to correlate well with dyspeptic symptoms, especially early satiety.68,69 However, this relationship has not been confirmed well in studies from some Asian countries.70,71 Statement 15. Visceral hypersensitivity is one of the pathophysiologic mechanisms in functional dyspepsia. Grade of evidence: high. Level of agreement: a: 100.0%; b: 0%; c: 0%; d: 0%; e: 0%; f: 0%.

We investigated the pattern and change of ox-stress parameters as well as glucose and lipid profile in NAFLD patients after a glucose versus lipid load and its impact on liver damage. Methods. We studied 44 patients with biopsy proven NAFLD during fasting and during a 4h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT 75g, n=24 patients) or fat meal (200ml dairy cream plus an egg yolk, n=20 patients). We measured lipid profile, hormones and ox-stress parameters (oxLDLs, total anti-oxidative status (TAS), angptl4 and angptl6). Insulin resistance (IR) indices were derived from 4h double tracers infusion: hepatic-IR (hep-IR=EGP × fasting insulin), adipose tissue-IR

(adipo-IR=fasting lipolysis x fasting insulin). Results. During fasting, oxLDLs positively correlate with TG (r=0.398; P<0.01) and FFAs (r=0.313; P=0.04) while TAS positively correlate SB203580 supplier with angptl6 levels (r=0.404; P<0.01).

Angptl4 concentration positively correlate with FFAs (r=0.454; P<0.01) and adipo-IR (r=0.318; P<0.035). Among histological Decitabine features, oxLDLs, angptl4 and angptl6 levels significantly correlate with steatosis (r=0.313, P=0.046; r=0.411, P=0.006 and r=0.422, P=0.004). TAS was significantly associated with NAS score (P=0.05). Of note, angptl4 increased according to the NAS score (P<0.01) and was significantly associated MCE公司 with severe fibrosis (F≥3). During meals, glucose and insulin curves were significantly higher in patients with F≥3 (all P<0.01) in both groups, and during OGTT showed a step-wise increase according to the degree of fibrosis. During lipid meal the large increase in plasma TG had no association with fibrosis while FFAs and oxLDLs levels were significantly higher in patients with F≥3 (P<0,01). Conclusion. Ox-stress-inducible factors are important mediators of necro-inflammation and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Metabolic changes occurring in the postprandial phase, particularly related to the increase of glucose, insulin and FFAs, further contribute

to liver damage. Funded by FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement n° HEALTH-F2-2009-241762 for the project FLIP and by PRIN 2009ARYX4T. Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: Lavinia Mezzabotta, Chiara Rosso, Ester Vanni, Roberto Gambino, Ramy Ibrahim Kamal Jouness, Francesca Saba, Federico Salomone, Melania Gaggini, Emma Buzzigoli, Chiara Sap-onaro, Fabrizia Carli, Gian Paolo Caviglia, Maria Lorena Abate, Antonina Smedile, Mario Rizzetto, Maurizio Cassader, Amalia Gastaldelli, Elisabetta Bugianesi Sequential use of noninvasive methods of predicting fibrosis has been proposed to evaluate fibrosis in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) however, the accuracy of this approach has not been validated.

〇f the 112 down-regulated Smoothened Agonist clinical trial genes, 81 have a miR-106b binding site and 31 have a perfect 8-mer binding site. The average number of seeds per targeted gene is 1. 73. Fold-change ranged from +1. 15 to +1. 47 for upregulated genes and −1. 16 to −2. 22 for down-regulated genes. Some of the notable differentially

expressed targets determined by RNA-Seq include the known targets retinoblastoma 1 and IL8, and also novel targets Kruppel-like factor-2 (KLF2) and KLF6, and pleckstrin and Sec7 domain-containing 3. By transfecting cells with miR-106b or LNA followed by treatment with the death ligand TRAIL, we were able to detect a subtle but significant difference in resistance to apoptosis. Percentages of apoptotic nuclei were compared between treatments and were 41. 7% for miR-106b and 56. 4% for LNA in Mz-ChA-1 cells (p<0. 05). Similarly, miR-106b protected H69 cells against apoptosis, with 10. 7% apoptotic nuclei for miR-106b-treated

and 23. 1% for LNA-treated cells (p<0. 01). Published reports indicate a positive effect of miR-106b on proliferation; however, using a MTT assay, we found no significant difference over a 72-hour KU-57788 manufacturer time course. The unexpected absence of increased proliferation by miR-1 06b suggests a cell-type specific function, whereby CCA cells are not reliant on miR-106b for proliferation. Our genome-wide analysis has identified novel and previously unpredicted targets of interest, particularly the tumor suppressors KLF2 and KLF6 which may be of future importance. Conclusions: miR-1 06b represents a functional target whose repression may improve sensitivity to apoptosis in CCA. Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: Cody J. Wehrkamp, Mary A. Smith, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Sanjit Pandey, Chittibabu Guda, Justin L. Mott The HGF receptor MET and the EGF receptor (EGFR) are mitogenic receptor-tyrosine kinases for hepatocytes. The MET-EGFR signaling pathway is activated within 15-30 minute following a two-thirds medchemexpress partial hepatectomy (PHx) in mice and rats. MET and EGFR functionally interact and there is

also considerable crosstalk between the two pathways. In order to understand the role played by these two pathways during liver regeneration, we used MET-EGFR specific Tyrosine kinase inhibitors to block the receptor kinase activity. Mice were administered EGFR specific Gefitinib (300 mg/kg) and MET specific JNJ 38877605 (100mg/kg) by oral gavages. The following day, mice were administered a second dose and two hours later a PHx was carried out. Appropriate vehicle controls were also used. In mice treated with Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, pMET & pEGFR levels were significantly reduced compared to vehicle treated controls. Global changes in gene expression patterns in treated and control livers were analyzed by microarray analyses.

Sea lions are highly communal pinnipeds that often congregate in large numbers on coastal rookeries. While this behavior serves a social role, it also has the potential to change the microhabitat and thus the local thermal conditions experienced by the animals. However, the thermal consequences of huddling in pinnipeds have yet to be quantified despite a propensity for close proximity in some species. To investigate

this, we quantified the huddling behavior of California sea lions, Zalophus californianus, by measuring the proximity of individuals from digital photographs, and determined the thermal microhabitat of huddles using an infrared temperature monitor. All animals were measured on San Nicolas Island (California, USA) for 6 days in winter selleck chemical (Tair = 13.2 ± 2.1°C) and 7 days in summer (Tair = 21.1 ± 3.4°C). We found that sea lion huddling behavior increased in colder weather, as determined from three indices.

First, a larger proportion (up to 97%) of the animals participated in huddles rather than resting alone during the winter season (P = 0.010). Second, the number of animals per huddle was larger (reaching 172 animals) during the colder season (P = 0.019). Lastly, sea lions participating in this behavior huddled more tightly in cold temperatures (P = 0.023). The temperature differential between the animals’ skin surface and that of the surrounding substrate was significantly greater (P < 0.001) for huddling sea lions (6.0 ± 3.6°C) KPT-330 chemical structure than for animals resting alone (3.0 ± 2.8°C). Furthermore, this differential was inversely proportional

to ambient temperatures. These results are consistent with huddling behavior in California sea lions providing a significant thermal benefit that likely shapes their social behavior on land. “
“Exploration behaviour is a complex trait that may have strong implications for the fitness of individuals and the persistence of populations. Understanding the different exploration MCE公司 strategies is necessary to understand how animals may adapt to changes in their environment including human-induced habitat fragmentation. Behavioural syndromes are often thought to characterize exploration behaviour, and within a population, individual strategies may vary from ‘bold’ to ‘shy’. Although our understanding of behavioural syndromes has increased enormously over the past decade, little is known about the presence of such syndromes in frogs. Yet, frogs are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment because of their ectothermic physiology and low mobility. Here, we investigate the exploration behaviour of wild-caught male frogs under laboratory conditions to test whether distinct behavioural strategies exist. We demonstrate the presence of different behavioural syndromes with two of the syndromes that can be categorized as ‘bold’ and ‘shy’, and a third one that is clearly intermediate.