bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the genetics of Bti resistance using mRNA tag sequencing: application on laboratory strains and natural populations of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti
Authors: Paris Margot , Marcombe Sebastien , Coissac Eric , Corbel Vincent , David Jean‐Philippe , Després Laurence
Published: August 2013

Mosquito control is often the main method used to reduce mosquito‐transmitted diseases. In order to investigate the genetic basis of resistance to the bio‐insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti), we used information on polymorphism obtained from cDNA tag sequences from pooled larvae of laboratory Bti‐resistant and susceptible Aedes aegypti mosquito strains to identify and analyse 1520 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Of the 372 SNPs tested, 99.2% were validated using DNA Illumina GoldenGate® array, with a strong correlation between the allelic frequencies inferred from the pooled and individual data (r = 0.85). A total of 11 genomic regions and five candidate genes were detected using a genome scan approach. One of these candidate genes showed significant departures from neutrality in the resistant strain at sequence level. Six natural populations from Martinique Island were sequenced for the 372 tested SNPs with a high transferability (87%), and association mapping analyses detected 14 loci associated with Bti resistance, including one located in a putative receptor for Cry11 toxins. Three of these loci were also significantly differentiated between the laboratory strains, suggesting that most of the genes associated with resistance might differ between the two environments. It also suggests that common selected regions might harbour key genes for Bti resistance.
Bahiagrass response and N loss from selected N fertilizer sources
Authors: Silveira M. L. , Vendramini J. M. B. , Sellers B. , Monteiro F. A. , Artur A. G. , Dupas E.
Published: August 2013

The increasing cost of commercial fertilizers and environmental problems associated with improper fertilization management have prompted the need to re‐examine commercial N sources that can effectively supply N to pastures while minimizing N losses. This 3‐year study evaluated the effects of selected N sources on bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) responses, soil properties and N losses. Treatments consisted of a factorial combination of 6 N sources [(i) ammonium nitrate (AN), (ii) ammonium sulphate (AS), (iii) urea (U), (iv) urea treated with Agrotain (U + Agrotain), (v) SuperU and (vi) ammonium sulphate nitrate] and 3 N levels (0, 60 or 120 kg ha−1 year−1), replicated three times. Bahiagrass dry‐matter yield (DMY), crude protein (CP) concentration, N uptake and recovery were not affected by N source, with the exception of AN that resulted in reduced DMY in 2010 compared with the other sources. Bahiagrass DMY, CP concentration, N uptake and recovery increased linearly as N levels increased. Nitrogen fertilization showed no effect on soil pH or soil N accumulation. Soil pore‐water N concentrations from treatments fertilized with N were similar to the control plots indicating no threat to the environment. At the N levels evaluated in this study, selection of N source should be based on the fertilizer cost.
Phosphorus application and liming effects on forage production, floristic composition and soil chemical properties in the Campos biome, southern Brazil
Authors: Tiecher T. , Oliveira L. B. , Rheinheimer D. S. , Quadros F. L. F. , Gatiboni L. C. , Brunetto G. , Kaminski J.
Published: August 2013

Studies of responses of native and introduced grassland species to lime and phosphorus (P) applications could contribute to improved understanding of the potential production of South American natural grasslands. To determine the effect of applying lime and different P sources on forage production, diversity and floristic composition, and on soil chemical properties, a small‐plot experiment was conducted over 12 years in natural grassland oversown with Lolium multiflorum and Trifolium vesiculosum in the Campos of southern Brazil. In treatments with soluble phosphate application, dry‐matter (DM) yield in November 2008, after 164 d of winter and early spring growth, increased from 2·3 to 3·2 t ha−1. Differences in DM yield in March 2009, after 111 d of growth during late spring and early summer, were not significant. The DM yield in April 2010, after 419 d of growth, increased from 7·7 to 9·2 t ha−1 in the treatments with P, regardless of the P source. Increased forage yield during the slow growth period in winter was only possible with the introduction of winter‐growing species (L. multiflorum and T. vesiculosum) and soluble phosphate application. Assessment of annual forage yield showed that the effectiveness of Gafsa rock phosphate was equivalent to that of soluble phosphates in the long term. Soluble phosphates and liming modified the botanical composition of natural Campos grassland in the long term, but floristic diversity was not altered.
Minimally invasive autopsy employing post‐mortem CT and targeted coronary angiography: evaluation of its application to a routine Coronial service
Authors: Roberts Ian S D , Traill Zoe C
Published: August 2013

Aims

Post‐mortem imaging is a potential alternative to traditional medicolegal autopsy. We investigate the reduction in number of invasive autopsies required by use of post‐mortem CT ± coronary angiography.

Methods and results

A total of 120 adult deaths referred to the Coroner were investigated by CT, with coronary angiography employed only for the second series of 60 cases, in order to determine the added value of angiography. The confidence of imaging cause of death was classified as definite (no autopsy), probable, possible or unascertained. Invasive autopsy was not required in 38% of cases without coronary angiography and 70% of cases with angiography. Full autopsy, including brain dissection, was required in only 9% of cases. There was complete agreement between autopsy and radiological causes of death in the cases with a ‘probable’ imaging cause of death, indicating that cases for which imaging provides an accurate cause of death without autopsy were identified correctly. In two patients, CT demonstrated unsuspected fractures, not detected at subsequent autopsy.

Conclusions

A two‐thirds reduction in the number of invasive coronial autopsies can be achieved by use of post‐mortem CT plus coronary angiography. At the same time, use of post‐mortem CT may improve accuracy of diagnosis, particularly for traumatic deaths.
Autophagy in the immune system
Authors: Puleston Daniel J. , Simon Anna Katharina
Published: August 2013

Autophagy is an intracellular homeostatic mechanism important for the degradation of waste components from the cytoplasm in acidic lysosomal compartments. Originally, surplus parts of the cytoplasm that acted as targets for autophagy were thought to comprise cellular organelles and proteins, but this has now extended to include a range of pathogens with particular emphasis on intracellular bacteria. The finding that autophagy can sequester intracellular bacteria and mediate their destruction has opened the door to a wider role for autophagy as an effector arm of the immune system. In innate immunity, autophagy works downstream of pattern recognition receptors where it facilitates a number of effector responses, including cytokine production and phagocytosis. Autophagy is also able to intersect pathways of innate and adaptive immunity through its potential to deliver antigens for antigen presentation. Autophagy provides a substantial source of antigens for loading onto MHC class II molecules and it may be important in dendritic cells for cross‐priming to CD8+ T cells. In lymphocytes, autophagy is essential for cell survival and homeostasis, particularly in T cells. In the thymus, autophagy can modulate the selection of certain CD4+ T‐cell clones while in the bone marrow autophagy is needed for B‐cell development at specific stages. However, large holes exist in our knowledge as to how autophagy regulates, and is regulated by, the immune system and it is important to now apply what we have gleaned from in vitro studies to how autophagy operates in vivo in the setting of natural infection.
Differential CD4+T‐cell responses of allergic and non‐allergic subjects to the immunodominant epitope region of the horse major allergen Equ c 1
Authors: Kailaanmäki Anssi , Kinnunen Tuure , Kwok William W. , Rytkönen‐Nissinen Marja , Randell Jukka , Virtanen Tuomas
Published: August 2013

The responses of allergen‐specific CD4+ T cells of allergic and healthy individuals are still incompletely understood. Our objective was to investigate the functional and phenotypic properties of CD4+ T cells of horse‐allergic and healthy subjects specific to the immunodominant epitope region of the major horse allergen Equ c 1. Specific T‐cell lines (TCLs) and clones were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Equ c 1143–160, the peptide containing the immunodominant epitope region of Equ c 1. The frequency, proliferative response, cytokine production and HLA restriction of the cells were examined. The frequency of Equ c 1‐specific CD4+ T cells was low (approximately 1 per 106 CD4+ T cells) in both allergic and non‐allergic subjects. The cells of allergic subjects had a stronger proliferative capacity than those of non‐allergic subjects, and they predominantly emerged from the memory T‐cell pool and expressed the T helper type 2 cytokine profile, whereas the cells of non‐allergic subjects emerged from the naive T‐cell pool and produced low levels of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10. T‐cell response to Equ c 1143–160 was restricted by several common HLA class II molecules from both DQ and DR loci. As the phenotypic and functional properties of Equ c 1‐specific CD4+ T cells differ between allergic and non‐allergic subjects, allergen‐specific T cells appear to be tightly implicated in the development of diseased or healthy outcome. Restriction of the specific CD4+ T‐cell response by multiple HLA alleles suggests that Equ c 1143–160 is a promising candidate for peptide‐based immunotherapy.
A prospective evaluation of disability associated with alcohol use disorders in the United States: An application of the quantile regression approach
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , McBride Orla
Published: August 2013

Aims

This study aims to estimate, using a unique quantile regression approach, the relationship linking alcohol use disorder (AUD) and disability (physical and mental) using data from a prospective study of household dwelling adults in the United States.

Methods

Data from the two‐wave National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) are used to assess AUD‐associated disability. A total of 24,716 non‐institutionalized adults are grouped into “never AUD” and “newly incident AUD” groups. The main outcome variables of interest are the changes in physical and mental disability levels between the two waves, as measured by summary scores of the Short Form Health Survey Version 2. Alcohol use disorder and other mental disorders are assessed by the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule DSM‐IV version. Linear regression and quantile regression approaches are used for analysis.

Results

The occurrence of AUD is associated with poorer mental disability outcomes, mainly due to the occurrence of alcohol dependence. The association for physical disability is dependent on the history of other mental disorders. Among those with antecedent mental disorders, alcohol dependence is associated with better physical health; among those without antecedent mental disorders, alcohol dependence is associated with poorer outcomes in physical health.

Conclusions

Evidence tentatively supports a causal link between AUD and mental disability. (Am J Addict 2013;22:551–557)
Prevalence and predictors of injection drug use and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents in substance treatment
Authors: Thurstone Christian , Salomonsen‐Sautel Stacy , Mikulich‐Gilbertson Susan K. , Hartman Christie A. , Sakai Joseph T. , Hoffenberg Analice S. , McQueen Matt B. , Min Sung‐Joon , Crowley Thomas J. , Corley Robin P. , Hewitt John K. , Hopfer Christian J.
Published: August 2013

Background and Objectives

The longitudinal risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection following adolescent substance treatment is not known. Therefore, it is not known if adolescent substance treatment should include HIV prevention interventions. To address this important research gap, this study evaluates the longitudinal prevalence and predictors of injection drug use (IDU) and sex risk behaviors among adolescents in substance treatment.

Methods

Participants were 260 adolescents (13–18 years) in substance treatment and 201 community control adolescents (11–19 years). Participants were assessed at baseline and follow‐up (mean time between assessments = 6.9 years for the clinical sample and 5.6 years for the community control sample). Outcomes included self‐report lifetime history of IDU, number of lifetime sex partners and frequency of unprotected sexual intercourse.

Results

At baseline, 7.5% of the clinical sample, compared to 1.0% of the community control sample had a lifetime history of IDU (, p = .001). At follow‐up, 17.4% of the clinical sample compared to 0% of the community control sample had a lifetime history of IDU (, p = .0005). The number of baseline substance use disorders and onset age of marijuana use significantly predicted the presence of lifetime IDU at follow‐up, after adjusting for baseline age, race, and sex. The clinical sample reported more lifetime sex partners and more frequent unprotected sex than the community control sample at baseline and follow‐up.

Conclusions

Many adolescents in substance treatment develop IDU and report persistent risky sex. Effective risk reduction interventions for adolescents in substance treatment are needed that address both IDU and risky sex. (Am J Addict 2013;22:558–565)
Prevalence of reported peyote use 1985–2010 effects of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1994
Authors: Prue Bob
Published: August 2013

Background

Peyote was classified as a hallucinogen in the Drug Abuse Control Act of 1965, leaving American Indian (AI) religious use in legal ambiguity. In 1994, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was amended to unambiguously protect the right of religious use of peyote for AIs.

Objectives

The purpose of this article is to report the prevalence rates of peyote use by AIs compared to the rest of the US population and to determine what effect the act's passage had on peyote use rates.

Methods

This investigation utilized an analysis of existing archived large nationally representative surveys of the American population. Data on peyote use rates was determined for most years 1985 through 2010. A total of 886,088 completed surveys were analyzed, of which 12,749 were from AIs. Use rates were triangulated using peyote harvest data.

Results and Conclusions

Peyote use for AIs and the rest of the US population has remained stable between 1% and 2%. American Indian use rose dramatically in the 4 years following the AIRFA and leveled to just under 10%. The rapidity of the rise was excessive in light of the growth in the NAC and compared to the amounts of peyote stocks available. It is hypothesized that social desirability biases suppressed the Pre‐AIRFA use rates due to peyote illegal status.

Scientific Significance

Beyond describing peyote use rates and the effects of the AIRFA, this research adds to the body of evidence regarding the levels of under‐reporting of illicit drugs. (Am J Addict 2014;23:156–161)
Relationship between tobacco and cannabis use status in outpatients with schizophrenia
Authors: Rabin Rachel A. , Giddens Justine L. , George Tony P.
Published: August 2013

Background and Objective

While high prevalence of tobacco and cannabis use are well established in schizophrenia, reports on their co‐morbid use is limited. We explored the links between tobacco and cannabis use in an outpatient population meeting DSM‐IV criteria for schizophrenia.

Methods

Cigarette smoking behaviors were assessed in an outpaitent population with schizophrenia (N = 54) with current (n = 18), former (n = 24), and no lifetime cannabis dependence (n = 12).

Results

We found significant differences in cigarettes per day (CPD) across groups: current dependent patients smoked less CPD than patients with former dependence and those with no history of dependence; former dependent patients smoked significantly less than patients with no history of cannabis dependence.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Preliminary results support an effect of cannabis use status on tobacco consumption. In the absence of cannabis, patients may increase cigarette smoking, suggesting state‐dependent effects of cannabis on tobacco. Prospective designs should further examine this relationship between cannabis and tobacco in schizophrenia versus non‐psychiatric controls. (Am J Addict 2014;23:170–175)
Impact of conjoint trajectories of body mass index and marijuana use on short sleep duration
Authors: Brook Judith S. , Lee Jung Yeon , Balka Elinor B. , Brook David W. , Finch Stephen J.
Published: August 2013

Background and Objectives

We examined the association between the conjoint developmental trajectories of body mass index (BMI) and marijuana use from age 24 to age 32 and short sleep duration.

Methods

The participants included 158 African American male, 267 African American female, 166 Puerto Rican male, and 225 Puerto Rican female young adults (N = 816). Using Mplus, we obtained the conjoint trajectories of BMI and marijuana use. Logistic regression analyses examined the association between the conjoint trajectories and short sleep duration.

Results

Five conjoint trajectory groups were extracted: normal BMI and no or low marijuana use, obese and no or low marijuana use, morbidly obese and some marijuana use, normal BMI and high marijuana use, and obese and high marijuana use. Those in the obese and no or low marijuana use group, the morbidly obese and some marijuana use group, and the obese and high marijuana use group were more likely to report shorter sleep duration than those with normal BMI and no or low marijuana use group.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

This study highlights the significance of examining joint trajectories over several developmental stages. In treating short sleep duration, we propose focusing on treating obesity, and also treating marijuana use if applicable. (Am J Addict 2014;23:176–183)
The role of mindfulness skills in terms of distress tolerance: A pilot test among adult daily smokers
Authors: Luberto Christina M. , McLeish Alison C. , Robertson Stephanie A. , Avallone Kimberly M. , Kraemer Kristen M. , Jeffries Emily R.
Published: August 2013

Background and Objectives

Low distress tolerance is associated with difficulties quitting smoking. Mindfulness is associated with improved cessation outcomes and may be one method by which to increase distress tolerance. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between mindfulness skills and distress tolerance among regular smokers.

Methods

Daily smokers (n = 125; Mage = 37.5, 70% male) completed self‐report measures assessing smoking and emotions.

Results

After controlling for age, gender, and nicotine dependence, and education the mindfulness skills of acting with awareness and accepting without judgment significantly predicted distress tolerance.

Discussion and Conclusions

For smokers, being able to pay attention to present moment vents and accept negative events without judgment is associated with a greater ability to withstand such events.

Scientific Significance

These findings suggest that mindfulness‐based approaches to smoking cessation may be effective because of improvements in distress tolerance. However, future prospective and laboratory‐based studies are needed to better understand the mindfulness‐distress tolerance link among smokers. (Am J Addict 2014;23:184–188)
Ecogeographical variation in skull shape of capuchin monkeys
Authors: Cáceres Nilton , Meloro Carlo , Carotenuto Francesco , Passaro Federico , Sponchiado Jonas , Melo Geruza Leal , Raia Pasquale
Published: August 2013

Aim

Because of their recent evolutionary radiation, capuchin monkeys represent an ideal group with which to investigate ecomorphological adaptations in relation to geography and climate. Our aim was to identify patterns of both skull size and shape variation in capuchins in relation to environmental variables and latitude.

Location

Tropical and subtropical South America.

Methods

We performed geometric morphometric analyses of skull shape in 228 capuchin monkey individuals belonging to either the genera Sapajus (seven species) or Cebus (two species), representing 94 localities in South America. Twenty‐three homologous landmarks were digitized to describe skull shape. We regressed skull shape against latitude, longitude, skull size and environmental variables, using ordinary and partial least squares regressions. Variation partitioning was used to test for the relative contribution to shape variance by taxonomy, allometry and environment, and their interaction terms.

Results

We found a significant impact of latitude, climate and size on skull shape. The allometric component of shape variation, although large, is not congruent with shape differences between species, and probably reflects ontogenetic effects. Partial least squares between bioclimatic variables and skull shape explain some 98% of the covariation between environment and shape. Species distributed in drier, more seasonal southern localities exhibit a narrow skull with elongated muzzle and relatively larger teeth. Variation partitioning suggests that the difference in skull shape between species is highly correlated with climatic variation but not with skull size.

Main conclusions

Skull shape in capuchins is significantly related to both environment and skull size. The former, but not the latter, is significantly associated with shape differences between species. The Sapajus clade originated in the south, and experienced an evolutionary radiation during the Pleistocene. As new Sapajus species moved to the north, they adapted to the local environmental conditions, eventually resembling Cebus in skull shape as they reached the Amazon rain forest, in response to their shared environmental conditions.
Clinical and subclinical effects of power brushing following experimental induction of biofilm overgrowth in subjects representing a spectrum of periodontal disease
Authors: Aspiras Marcelo B. , Barros Silvana P. , Moss Kevin L. , Barrow David A. , Phillips Sherrill T. , Mendoza Luis , de Jager Marko , Ward Marilyn , Offenbacher Steven
Published: August 2013

Aim

Investigate short‐term effects of power brushing following experimental induction of biofilm overgrowth in periodontal disease states.

Materials and Methods

Overall, 175 subjects representing each of five biofilm–gingival interface (BGI) periodontal groups were enrolled in a single‐blind, randomized study. After stent‐induced biofilm overgrowth for 21 days subjects received either a manual or a power toothbrush to use during a 4 weeks resolution phase. At baseline and during induction and resolution, standard clinical parameters were measured. Subclinical parameters included multikine analysis of 13 salivary biomarkers and 16s Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM) probe analysis of subgingival plaque samples.

Results

All groups exhibited significantly greater reductions in bleeding on probing (BOP) (p = 0.002), gingival index (GI) (p = 0.0007), pocket depth (PD) (p = 0.04) and plaque index (p = 0.001) with power brushing compared to manual. When BGI groups were combined to form a shallow PD (PD ≤ 3 mm) and a deep PD group (PD > 4 mm) power brushing reduced BOP and GI in subjects with both pocket depths. Power brushing significantly reduced IL‐1β levels at resolution while changes in bacterial levels showed non‐significant trends between both brushing modalities.

Conclusions

Short‐term changes in select clinical parameters and subclinical salivary biomarkers may be useful in assessing efficacy of power brushing interventions in a spectrum of periodontal disease states.
Survival and Growth of Tetrahymena thermophila in Media that are Conventionally Used for Piscine and Mammalian Cells
Authors: Pinheiro Marcel D.O. , Yu Xiang , Zhao Y. , Bols Niels C.
Published: August 2013

The transfer of Tetrahymena thermophila from normosmotic solutions (~20–80 mOsm/kg H2O) to hyperosmotic solutions (> 290 mOsm/kg H2O) was investigated. During the first 24 h of transfer from proteose peptone yeast extract (PPYE) to either 10 mM HEPES or PPYE with added NaCl to give ~300 mOsm/kg H2O, most ciliates died in HEPES but survived in PPYE. Supplementing hyperosmotic HEPES or PPYE with fetal bovine serum (FBS) enhanced survival. When ciliates were transferred from PPYE to a basal medium for vertebrate cells, L‐15 (~320 mOsm/kg H2O), only a few survived the first 24 h but many survived when the starting cell density at transfer was high (100,000 cells/ml) or FBS was present. These results suggest that nutrients and/or osmolytes in either PPYE or FBS helped ciliates survive the switch to hyperosmotic solutions. FBS also stimulated T. thermophila growth in normosmotic HEPES and PPYE and in hyperosmotic L‐15. In L‐15 with 10% FBS, the ciliates proliferated for several months and could undergo phagocytosis and bacterivory. These cell culture systems and results can be used to explore how some Tetrahymena species function in hyperosmotic hosts and act as opportunistic pathogens of vertebrates.
Polyamine levels in breast milk are associated with mothers' dietary intake and are higher in preterm than full‐term human milk and formulas
Authors: Atiya Ali M. , Strandvik B. , Sabel K.‐G. , Palme Kilander C. , Strömberg R. , Yngve A.
Published: August 2013

Background

Polyamine intake from milk is considered essential for post‐natal maturation of the immune system and small intestine. The present study aimed to determine polyamine content in human milk after preterm delivery and the association with mothers' dietary intake. In comparison, the polyamine levels were compared with those in term breast milk and some corresponding formulas.

Methods

Transitional breast milk was collected from 40 mothers delivering after 24–36 weeks of gestation, and from 12 mothers delivering after full term. Food intake was assessed in mothers delivering preterm babies using a 3‐day diary. Polyamines were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The dietary intake of polyamines was significantly associated with breast milk content but weaker for spermine than for spermidine and putrescine. Total polyamine level was higher in preterm than term milk and lower in the corresponding formulas. Putrescine, spermidine and spermine contents [mean (SEM)] in preterm milk were 165.6 (25), 615.5 (80) and 167.7 (16) nmol dL−1, respectively, with the levels of putrescine and spermidine being 50% and 25% higher than in term milk. The content of spermine did not differ.

Conclusions

Dietary intake of polyamines has an impact on the content in breast milk. The difference between human milk after preterm and term delivery might be considered when using donor human milk for preterm infants. The corresponding formulas had lower contents. Further studies are important for determining the relationship between tissue growth and maturation and optimal intake.
Transglutaminase 2 accelerates neuroinflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through interaction with misfolded superoxide dismutase 1
Authors: Oono Miki , Okado‐Matsumoto Ayako , Shodai Akemi , Ido Akemi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji , Ayaki Takashi , Ito Hidefumi , Takahashi Ryosuke , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Urushitani Makoto
Published: August 2013

Although the aberrant assembly of mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (mSOD1) is implicated in the pathogenesis of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the molecular basis of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) oligomerization remains undetermined. We investigated the roles of transglutaminase 2 (TG2), an endogenous cross‐linker inmSOD1‐linked ALS. TG2 interacted preferentially withmSOD1 and promoted its oligomerization in transfected cells. Purified TG2 directly oligomerized recombinant mutant SOD1 and the apo‐form of the wild‐type SOD1 proteins in a calcium‐dependent manner, indicating that misfolded SOD1 is a substrate of TG2. Moreover, the non‐cell‐autonomous effect of extracellular TG2 on the neuroinflammation was suggested, since the TG2‐mediated soluble SOD1 oligomers induced tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and nitric oxide in microglial BV2 cells. TG2 was up‐regulated in the spinal cord of pre‐symptomatic G93A SOD1 transgenic mice and in the hypoglossal nuclei of mice suffering nerve ligation. Furthermore, inhibition of spinal TG2 by cystamine significantly delayed the progression and reduced SOD1 oligomers and microglial activation. These results indicate a novel role of TG2 in SOD1 oligomer‐mediated neuroinflammation, as well as in the involvement in the intracellular aggregation of misfolded SOD1 in ALS.

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A new role of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in misfolded SOD1‐linked neuroinflammation has been clarified. TG2 recognized and oligomerized only misfolded forms of SOD1, which robustly activated microglia, and induce the expression of proinflammatory molecules such as iNOS, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α. The inhibition of spinal cord TG2 of mutant SOD1 transgenic mice successfully suppressed neuroinflammation and delayed the progression.
Long‐term nicotine treatment down‐regulates α6β2* nicotinic receptor expression and function in nucleus accumbens
Authors: Perez Xiomara A. , McIntosh J.Michael , Quik Maryka
Published: August 2013

Long‐term nicotine exposure induces alterations in dopamine transmission in nucleus accumbens that sustain the reinforcing effects of smoking. One approach to understand the adaptive changes that arise involves measurement of endogenous dopamine release using voltammetry. We therefore treated rats for 2–3 months with nicotine and examined alterations in nAChR subtype expression and electrically evoked dopamine release in rat nucleus accumbens shell, a region key in addiction. Long‐term nicotine treatment selectively decreased stimulated α6β2* nAChR‐mediated dopamine release compared with vehicle‐treated rats. It also reduced α6β2* nAChRs, suggesting the receptor decline may contribute to the functional loss. This decreased response in release after chronic nicotine treatment was still partially sensitive to the agonist nicotine. Studies with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor demonstrated that the response was also sensitive to increased endogenous acetylcholine. However, unlike the agonists, nAChR antagonists decreased dopamine release only in vehicle‐ but not nicotine‐treated rats. As antagonists function by blocking the action of acetylcholine, their ineffectiveness suggests that reduced acetylcholine levels partly underlie the dampened α6β2* nAChR‐mediated function in nicotine‐treated rats. As long‐term nicotine modifies dopamine release by decreasing α6β2* nAChRs and their function, these data suggest that interventions that target this subtype may be useful for treating nicotine dependence.

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Long‐term nicotine treatment decreases dopamine (DA) transmission in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Our data suggest this may involve a decrease in α6β2* nicotinic receptor expression and function. These changes may play a key role in nicotine reward and dependence.
Cytochrome c dysregulation induced by HIV infection of astrocytes results in bystander apoptosis of uninfected astrocytes by an IP3 and calcium‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Eugenin Eliseo A. , Berman Joan W.
Published: August 2013

HIV entry into the CNS is an early event after peripheral infection, resulting in neurologic dysfunction in a significant number of individuals despite successful anti‐retroviral therapy. The mechanisms by which HIV mediates CNS dysfunction are not well understood. Our group recently demonstrated that HIV infection of astrocytes results in survival of HIV infected cells and apoptosis of surrounding uninfected astrocytes by the transmission of toxic intracellular signals through gap junctions. In the current report, we characterize the intracellular signaling responsible for this bystander apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that HIV infection of astrocytes results in release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, and dysregulation of inositol trisphosphate/intracellular calcium that leads to toxicity to neighboring uninfected astrocytes. Blocking these dysregulated pathways results in protection from bystander apoptosis. These secondary messengers that are toxic in uninfected cells are not toxic in HIV infected cells, suggesting that HIV protects these cells from apoptosis. Thus, our data provide novel mechanisms of HIV mediated toxicity and generation of HIV reservoirs. Our findings provide new potential therapeutic targets to reduce the CNS damage resulting from HIV infection and to eradicate the generation of viral reservoirs.

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We demonstrated that HIV infection of astrocytes protects infected cells from apoptosis but results in cell death of surrounding uninfected astrocytes by a mechanism that is dependent on gap junction channels, dysregulation of mitochondrial cytochrome C (CytC), and cell to cell diffusion of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and calcium. Our data provide essential information about generation of brain reservoirs and the mechanism of toxicity mediated by the virus.
Discrimination and categorization of emotional facial expressions and faces in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Alonso‐Recio Laura , Martín Pilar , Rubio Sandra , Serrano Juan M.
Published: August 2013

Our objective was to compare the ability to discriminate and categorize emotional facial expressions (EFEs) and facial identity characteristics (age and/or gender) in a group of 53 individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and another group of 53 healthy subjects. On the one hand, by means of discrimination and identification tasks, we compared two stages in the visual recognition process that could be selectively affected in individuals with PD. On the other hand, facial expression versus gender and age comparison permits us to contrast whether the emotional or non‐emotional content influences the configural perception of faces. In Experiment I, we did not find differences between groups, either with facial expression or age, in discrimination tasks. Conversely, in Experiment II, we found differences between the groups, but only in the EFE identification task. Taken together, our results indicate that configural perception of faces does not seem to be globally impaired in PD. However, this ability is selectively altered when the categorization of emotional faces is required. A deeper assessment of the PD group indicated that decline in facial expression categorization is more evident in a subgroup of patients with higher global impairment (motor and cognitive). Taken together, these results suggest that the problems found in facial expression recognition may be associated with the progressive neuronal loss in frontostriatal and mesolimbic circuits, which characterizes PD.
Effect of experimental jaw muscle pain on EMG activity and bite force distribution at different level of clenching
Authors: Shimada A. , Hara S. , Svensson P.
Published: August 2013

Bite force at different levels of clenching and the corresponding electromyographic (EMG) activity in jaw‐closing muscles were recorded in 16 healthy women before, during and after painful stimulation of the left masseter muscle. Experimental pain was induced by infusion of 5·8% hypertonic saline (HS), and 0·9% isotonic saline (IS) was infused as a control. EMG activity was recorded bilaterally from the masseter and temporalis muscles, and static bite force was assessed by pressure‐sensitive films (Dental Pre‐scale) at 5, 50 and 100% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) during each session. Visual feedback was applied by showing EMG activity to help the subject perform clenching at 5, 50 and 100% MVC, respectively. EMG activity at 100% MVC in left and right masseter decreased significantly during painful HS infusion (1·7–44·6%; P < 0·05). EMG activity at 5% and 50% MVC was decreased during HS infusion in the painful masseter muscle (4·8–18·6%; P < 0·05); however, EMG activity in the other muscles increased significantly (18·5–128·3%; P < 0·05). There was a significant increase in bite force in the molar regions at 50% MVC during HS infusion and in the post‐infusion condition (P < 0·05). However, there were no significant differences in the distribution of forces at 100% MVC. In conclusion, experimental pain in the masseter muscle has an inhibitory effect on jaw muscle activity at maximal voluntary contraction, and compensatory mechanisms may influence the recruitment pattern at submaximal efforts.
The role of NEFL in cell growth and invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Huang Zhiquan , Zhuo Ying , Shen Zhuojian , Wang Youyuan , Wang Lili , Li Haigang , Chen Ju , Chen Weiliang
Published: August 2013

The neurofilament light polypeptide (NEFL) gene located on chromosome 8q21 is associated with the cancer of several organs and is regarded as a potential tumor suppressor gene. However, the role of the NEFL protein has not yet been studied in cancer cells. Although evidence suggests that there is a correlation between NEFL expression and cancer, studies regarding the role of the NEFL protein have been mostly limited to neurological diseases, such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth's disease (CMT). Most of these studies have not explored the role of NEFL in cancer cell apoptosis and/or invasion. In this study, NEFL expression was manipulated, and apoptosis and invasion were compared in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. The results show that the expression of NEFL induces cancer cell apoptosis and inhibits invasion in these cell lines, suggesting that NEFL may play a role in cancer cell apoptosis and invasion.
Morphology, phylogeny, dynamics, and ichthyotoxicity of Pheopolykrikos hartmannii (Dinophyceae) isolates and blooms from New York, USA
Authors: Tang Ying Zhong , Harke Matthew J. , Gobler Christopher J.
Published: August 2013

We report on morphological observations, phylogenetic analyses, bloom dynamics, and ichthyotoxicity of the common but poorly characterized dinoflagellate Pheopolykrikos hartmannii (Zimmermann) Matsuoka et Fukuyo. From 2008 to 2010 in the Forge River Estuary, NY, USA, P. hartmannii bloomed during summer and early fall, achieving densities exceeding 8,000 cells · mL−1 and often dominating microphytoplankton communities. Large subunit (LSU) and small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences demonstrated that NY isolates of P. hartmannii sequences were 99%–100% identical to P. hartmannii isolates from eastern US and Korea. In both the LSU and SSU rDNA phylogenies, the clades containing P. hartmannii sequences were distinct sister clades to those composed of Polykrikos schwartzii and P. kofoidii. In the LSU rDNA phylogeny, however, the clade composed of P. hartmannii and a sequence of the photosynthetic Polykrikos lebourae was well separated from the clade composed of 10 entries of Polykrikos schwartzii and P. kofoidii. In addition, a gap of ~180 bases was observed when the LSU rDNA sequences of P. hartmannii were aligned with P. schwartzii and P. kofoidii but was not observed in the alignment between P. hartmannii and P. lebourae. Using scanning electron microscopy, several morphological features previously not reported for P. hartmannii were observed: a ventral groove located in the sulcus, a deep arc‐like apical concavity within the area of apical groove, scale‐like vesicles, and a shallow, completely enclosed, loop‐like apical groove. Resting cysts with arrow‐like surface spines were produced heterothallically by crossing clonal isolates and germinated single gymnoid cells. Finally, filtered and unfiltered bloom water from the Forge River and clonal cultures of P. hartmannii exhibited acute ichthyotoxicity to juvenile sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegates) and aeration did not mitigate this effect, suggesting P. hartmannii is an ichthyotoxic, harmful alga.
Cellular interactions: lessons from the nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria
Authors: Thompson Anne W. , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: August 2013

Marine nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria play a central role in the open‐ocean microbial community by providing fixed nitrogen (N) to the ocean from atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) gas. Once thought to be dominated by one genus of cyanobacteria, Trichodesmium, it is now clear that marine N2‐fixing cyanobacteria in the open ocean are more diverse, include several previously unknown symbionts, and are geographically more widespread than expected. The next challenge is to understand the ecological implications of this genetic and phenotypic diversity for global oceanic N cycling. One intriguing aspect of the cyanobacterial N2 fixers ecology is the range of cellular interactions they engage in, either with cells of their own species or with photosynthetic protists. From organelle‐like integration with the host cell to a free‐living existence, N2‐fixing cyanobacteria represent the range of types of interactions that occur among microbes in the open ocean. Here, we review what is known about the cellular interactions carried out by marine N2‐fixing cyanobacteria and where future work can help. Discoveries related to the functional roles of these specialized cells in food webs and the microbial community will improve how we interpret their distribution and abundance patterns and contributions to global N and carbon (C) cycles.
Parentage analysis of Ansell's mole‐rat family groups indicates a high reproductive skew despite relatively relaxed ecological constraints on dispersal
Authors: Patzenhauerová Hana , Šklíba Jan , Bryja Josef , Šumbera Radim
Published: August 2013

To better understand evolutionary pathways leading to eusociality, interspecific comparisons are needed, which would use a common axis, such as that of reproductive skew, to array species. African mole‐rats (Bathyergidae, Rodentia) provide an outstanding model of social evolution because of a wide range of social organizations within a single family; however, their reproductive skew is difficult to estimate, due to their cryptic lifestyle. A maximum skew could theoretically be reached in groups where reproduction is monopolized by a stable breeding pair, but the value could be decreased by breeding‐male and breeding‐female turnover, shared reproduction and extra‐group mating. The frequency of such events should be higher in species or populations inhabiting mesic environments with relaxed ecological constraints on dispersal. To test this prediction, we studied patterns of parentage and relatedness within 16 groups of Ansell's mole‐rat (Fukomys anselli) in mesic miombo woodland. Contrary to expectation, there was no shared reproduction (more than one breeder of a particular sex) within the studied groups, and proportion of immigrants and offspring not assigned to current breeding males was low. The within‐group parentage and relatedness patterns observed resemble arid populations of ‘eusocial’ Fukomys damarensis, rather than a mesic population of ‘social’ Cryptomys hottentotus. As a possible explanation, we propose that the extent ecological conditions affect reproductive skew may be markedly affected by life history and natural history traits of the particular species and genera.
Molecular basis for insecticide‐enhanced thermotolerance in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera:Delphacidae)
Authors: Ge Lin‐Quan , Huang Liu‐Juan , Yang Guo‐Qin , Song Qi‐Sheng , Stanley David , Gurr G. M. , Wu Jin‐Cai
Published: August 2013

Climate change is likely to have marked ecological effects on terrestrial ecosystems, including the activities of insect pests. Most attention has focused on the increasing geographical ranges of pests; however, if extrinsic factors enhance their thermotolerance, populations may express increased voltinism and longer daily and annual activity periods. These changes in pest populations have the potential for severe consequences, including increased crop losses and decreased food security at the global level. The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is a serious pest of rice crops in temperate and tropical regions of Asia. It is often present in rice microclimates at temperatures close to its maximum thermotolerance. Recent BPH outbreaks in tropical Asia are considered to be associated with excess use of pesticides and increasing temperature. This study tested whether exposure to sublethal concentrations of triazophos (tzp), an insecticide widely used in Asian rice production, enhances thermotolerance of BPH. Tzp exposure (40 ppm at 40 °C) significantly decreased mortality (from 94% in controls to 50% at 48 h post‐treatment) and increased lethal mean time (LT50) of adults by 17.2 h. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of this tzp‐enhanced thermotolerance, we selected Hsp70 and Arginine kinase (Argk) for detailed study. Transcripts encoding both proteins in third‐instar nymphs and brachypterous adult females were up‐regulated, compared with controls, after exposure to tzp. RNAi silencing of both genes demonstrated that Hsp70 and Argk are essential for survival and tzp‐increased thermotolerance. We propose that tzp induces thermotolerance in BPHs by increasing the expression of genes that act in cell protection mechanisms. The significance of our proposal relates to the importance of understanding the influence of sublethal concentrations of insecticides on pest biology. In addition to its influence on thermotolerance, tzp also enhances BPH reproduction. We infer that exposure to a pesticide stressor can produce cross‐tolerance, that is, increased tolerance to one stressor also increases tolerance to other stressors, including temperature. Aside from needing a better understanding of these effects in nature and in other pest/cropping systems, we suggest that pest management programmes can be improved with better understanding of the influences of stressors, including increased environmental temperatures and sublethal concentrations of insecticides, on pest biology.
Plant genetics and interspecific competitive interactions determine ectomycorrhizal fungal community responses to climate change
Authors: Gehring Catherine , Flores‐Rentería Dulce , Sthultz Christopher M. , Leonard Tierra M. , Flores‐Rentería Lluvia , Whipple Amy V. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: August 2013

Although the importance of plant‐associated microbes is increasingly recognized, little is known about the biotic and abiotic factors that determine the composition of that microbiome. We examined the influence of plant genetic variation, and two stressors, one biotic and one abiotic, on the ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal community of a dominant tree species, Pinus edulis. During three periods across 16 years that varied in drought severity, we sampled the EM fungal communities of a wild stand of P. edulis in which genetically based resistance and susceptibility to insect herbivory was linked with drought tolerance and the abundance of competing shrubs. We found that the EM fungal communities of insect‐susceptible trees remained relatively constant as climate dried, while those of insect‐resistant trees shifted significantly, providing evidence of a genotype by environment interaction. Shrub removal altered the EM fungal communities of insect‐resistant trees, but not insect‐susceptible trees, also a genotype by environment interaction. The change in the EM fungal community of insect‐resistant trees following shrub removal was associated with greater shoot growth, evidence of competitive release. However, shrub removal had a 7‐fold greater positive effect on the shoot growth of insect‐susceptible trees than insect‐resistant trees when shrub density was taken into account. Insect‐susceptible trees had higher growth than insect‐resistant trees, consistent with the hypothesis that the EM fungi associated with susceptible trees were superior mutualists. These complex, genetic‐based interactions among species (tree‐shrub‐herbivore‐fungus) argue that the ultimate impacts of climate change are both ecological and evolutionary.