Population genetic analyses of Fusarium asiaticum populations from barley suggest a recent shift favoring 3ADON producers in southern China

Fusarium asiaticum is the predominant causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in southern China. The genetic diversity was assessed by analyzing 448 single-spore F. asiaticum isolates from 18 sampling sites that were 10 to 2,000 km apart, using seven highly informative variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) markers. This analysis showed a significant degree of population subdivision (P < 0.001) among populations from upper, middle, and lower valleys of the Yangtze River, with little gene flow (Nm = 1.210). We observed a strong association between this genetic population subdivision and the mycotoxin produced. Our results show that the dramatic cline in trichothecene chemotypes may be explained by a recent and significant invasion of 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3ADON) producers in FHB pathogen composition in the middle valley. Using Bayesian statistics, we found a biased gene flow from 3ADON to nivalenol (NIV) populations. In addition, we observed significant genetic differentiation and linkage disequilibrium between NIV- and 3ADON-producing isolates at the same sampling sites. The impact of the changed agronomy and trade of cereal commodities on the spread of the new Fusarium population and the consequent increase of FHB observed in southern China are discussed.

Key proteolytic cleavage site and full-length form of DSPP

It is known that dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is processed into NH(2)- and COOH-terminal fragments, but its key cleavage site has not been identified, nor has its full-length form been discovered. The objectives of this study were to identify the key cleavage site during DSPP processing and to search for full-length DSPP in vivo. We generated a construct encoding DSPP, in which Asp(452), a cleavage site residue, was replaced by Ala(452). The pulp-odontoblast complex and dentin were extracted, chromatographically separated, and assessed by Stains-All staining, Western immunoblotting, and mass spectrometry. These studies showed that the substitution of Asp(452) by Ala(452) completely blocks the cleavage of mouse DSPP in the transfected cells, indicating that the NH(2)-terminal peptide bond of Asp(452) is essential for the initiation of DSPP proteolytic processing. The results of this study revealed the presence of full-length DSPP and its processed fragments in extracts from the pulp/odontoblast and dentin.

Dietary zinc glycine chelate on growth performance, tissue mineral concentrations, and serum enzyme activity in weanling piglets

One hundred twenty crossbred piglets (Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire) were used to determine the effects of dietary zinc glycine chelate on growth performance, tissue mineral concentrations, and serum enzyme activity. All pigs were allotted to four treatments and fed with basal diets supplemented with 0, 50, and 100 mg/kg Zn as zinc glycine chelate or 3,000 mg/kg Zn as zinc oxide (ZnO). After the 35-day feeding trial, results of the study showed that, compared to the control, average daily gain was improved (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 100 mg/kg Zn from zinc glycine chelate or 3,000 mg/kg Zn from ZnO and Zn concentrations in serum and M. longissimus dorsi were significantly enhanced by 100 mg/kg dietary zinc glycine chelate and 3,000 mg/kg ZnO. In addition, supplementation of 100 mg/kg zinc glycine chelate decreased (P < 0.05) the liver Fe level, liver Zn level, spleen Cu level, and kidney Cu level compared to that of the 3,000-mg/kg ZnO group. For feces mineral excretion, 3,000 mg/kg Zn from ZnO greatly increased the concentration of fecal Zn (P < 0.01) and Mn (P < 0.05) compared to that of the control or the 100-mg/kg zinc glycine chelate group. Moreover, alkaline phosphatase and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activities of pigs in 100 mg/kg zinc glycine chelate and ZnO treatments were greatly higher than that of the control. The results of present study showed that supplementation with zinc glycine chelate could improve growth and serum enzyme activities and could also decrease zinc excretion in feces in weanling pig compared to high dietary ZnO.

Seasonal variation in prey abundance influences habitat use by greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in a temperate deciduous forest

The hypothesis that patterns of habitat selection of greater horseshoe bats ( Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774)) vary across seasons in a temperate deciduous forest was investigated. Variables associated with potentially important ecological factors for greater horseshoe bats (physical structure of shrub stratum, crown canopy, insect availability, lunar phase, and weather) were collected for different seasons, and 75 sampling sites were established in the Luotong Mountain Nature Reserve in northeast China. Insect abundance was highest in late summer and lowest in late autumn. Poisson generalized linear models showed that the activity of greater horseshoe bats was positively related to the height and density of shrub stratum in late summer, whereas the activity of greater horseshoe bats was associated with insect abundance in early and late autumn. During periods of intermediate prey abundance (early summer), the height and density of shrub stratum, as well as insect abundance, influenced the activity of greater horseshoe bats. Shrub stratum may provide shelter against predation for foraging greater horseshoe bats. These results support our prediction that there was a trade-off between importance of food and cover among seasons for foraging bats. These findings are useful for the conservation and management of greater horseshoe bats.

Effects of zinc glycine chelate on growth, hematological, and immunological characteristics in broilers

Three hundred sixty healthy Ross x Ross 1-day-old broilers were used to study the effects of zinc glycine chelate (Zn-Gly) on growth performance, hematological, and immunological characteristics. All broilers were randomly assigned into six treatments. Diets were as follows: (1) control (containing 29.3 mg Zn kg(-1) basic diet [0-3 weeks] and 27.8 mg Zn kg(-1) [4-6 weeks]); (2) basic diet plus 30 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly; (3) basic diet plus 60 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly; (4) basic diet plus 90 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly; (5) basic diet plus 120 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly; (6) positive control, basic diet plus 120 mg Zn kg(-1) from zinc sulfate (ZnSO(4)). After the 21- and 42-day feeding trials, the results showed that both of Zn-Gly and ZnSO(4) could improve the growth performance of broilers, with the greatest average daily feed intake observed in the broilers fed 90 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly, but the greatest average daily gain observed with 120 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly (0-3 weeks) and 90 mg Zn kg(-1) from Zn-Gly (4-6 weeks). Adding additional Zn-Gly improved the levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and the contents of total protein and Ca in serum and increased the immune organs index especially with 90 mg Zn kg(-1) as Zn-Gly. However, there were no significant differences in responses to complements (C3 and C4) and albumin in serum among the treatments.

Postnatal development of NT3 and TrkC in mouse ventral cochlear nucleus

In the developing nervous system, neurotrophin 3 (NT3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been shown to interact with each other and with different parts of a neuron or glia and over considerable distances in time and space. The auditory system provides a useful model for analyzing these events, insofar as it is subdivided into well-defined groups of specific neuronal types that are readily related to each other at each stage of development. Previous work in our laboratory suggested that NT3 and its receptor TrkC in the mouse cochlear nucleus (CN) may be involved in directing neuronal migration and initial targeting of inputs from cochlear nerve axons in the embryo. NT3 is hard to detect soon after birth, but TrkC lingers longer. Here we found NT3 and TrkC around P8 and the peak around P30. Prominent in ventral CN, associated with globular bushy cells and stellate cells, they were localized to different subcellular sites. The TrkC immunostain was cytoplasmic, and that of NT3 was axonal and perisomatic. TrkC may be made by CN neurons, whereas NT3 has a cochlear origin. The temporal pattern of their development and the likelihood of activity-dependent release of NT3 from cochlear axons suggest that it may not be critical in early synaptogenesis; it may provide long-term trophic effects, including stabilization of synapses once established. Activity-related regulation could coordinate the supply of NT3 with inner ear activity. This may require interaction with other neurotrophins, such as BDNF.

Lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome without FOXC2 mutation: evidence for chromosome 16 duplication upstream of FOXC2

A patient with the classical phenotype of Lymphedema-Distichiasis syndrome (OMIM 153400) is described who showed no mutations in the sequence of FOXC2. Accordingly, a Gene Chip 250k array analysis was undertaken with dense SNP genotyping of the genomic region surrounding the FOXC2 locus on Chromosome 16 followed by copy number evaluation by real time PCR. The latter assay showed evidence of a duplicated region 5' of FOXC2 that could be causative for the patient's striking phenotype, which included both distichiasis and a hyperplastic refluxing lymphatic vascular and lymph node phenotype associated with pubertal onset lymphedema, scoliosis and strabismus.

Mice lacking synapsin III show abnormalities in explicit memory and conditioned fear

Synapsin III is a neuron-specific phosphoprotein that plays an important role in synaptic transmission and neural development. While synapsin III is abundant in embryonic brain, expression of the protein in adults is reduced and limited primarily to the hippocampus, olfactory bulb and cerebral cortex. Given the specificity of synapsin III to these brain areas and because it plays a role in neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, we investigated whether it may affect learning and memory processes in mice. To address this point, synapsin III knockout mice were examined in a general behavioral screen, several tests to assess learning and memory function, and conditioned fear. Mutant animals displayed no anomalies in sensory and motor function or in anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. Although mutants showed minor alterations in the Morris water maze, they were deficient in object recognition 24 h and 10 days after training and in social transmission of food preference at 20 min and 24 h. In addition, mutants displayed abnormal responses in contextual and cued fear conditioning when tested 1 or 24 h after conditioning. The synapsin III knockout mice also showed aberrant responses in fear-potentiated startle. As synapsin III protein is decreased in schizophrenic brain and because the mutant mice do not harbor obvious anatomical deficits or neurological disorders, these mutants may represent a unique neurodevelopmental model for dissecting the molecular pathways that are related to certain aspects of schizophrenia and related disorders.

Could changes in arterioles impede the perivascular drainage of interstitial fluid from the cerebral white matter in leukoaraiosis?

AIMS

Leukoaraiosis (LA) is the increase in fluid in cerebral white matter with hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR imaging that occurs in 25% of individuals over 65 years of age and in Alzheimer's disease. Age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiac disease are the major risk factors for LA. Ischaemia is considered to be the cause of LA, but the aim of the present study is to assess whether changes in arterioles in LA could impede perivascular lymphatic drainage of interstitial fluid from the cerebral white matter.

METHODS

We quantified arteriolosclerosis and immunohistochemical changes in the extracellular matrix in arterioles of cerebral white matter in 20 hypertension autopsy cases with LA and in 10 controls.

RESULTS

The ratio of the area immunoreactive for collagen types I, III, V and VI to the cross-sectional area of arterioles was significantly higher in LA patients compared with controls (P < 0.001). Changes were observed in collagen IV and laminin. The walls of white matter arterioles in LA were significantly thicker (P < 0.01), and lumina were significantly smaller (P < 0.01). Arterioles had a significantly higher sclerotic index [1 - (internal/external diameter)] in LA than in adjacent cortex or control white matter (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that thickening and sclerosis of the walls of arterioles in cerebral white matter in LA are associated with the accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Although these changes may result in decreased perfusion, they could also impede perivascular lymphatic drainage of interstitial fluid from white matter in LA.

Disposition of GDC-0879, a B-RAF kinase inhibitor in preclinical species

1. The pharmacokinetics and disposition of GDC-0879, a small molecule B-RAF kinase inhibitor, was characterized in mouse, rat, dog, and monkey. 2. In mouse and monkey, clearance (CL) of GDC-0879 was moderate (18.7-24.3 and 14.5 +/- 2.1 ml min(-1) kg(-1), respectively), low in dog (5.84 +/- 1.06 ml min(-1) kg(-1)) and high in rat (86.9 +/- 14.2 ml min(-1) kg(-1)). The volume of distribution across species ranged from 0.49 to 1.9 l kg(-1). Mean terminal half-life values ranged from 0.28 h in rats to 2.97 h in dogs. Absolute oral bioavailability ranged from 18% in dog to 65% in mouse. 3. Plasma protein binding of GDC-0879 in mouse, rat, dog, monkey, and humans ranged from 68.8% to 81.9%. 4. In dog, the major ketone metabolite (G-030748) of GDC-0879 appeared to be formation rate-limited. 5. Based on assessment in dogs, the absorption of GDC-0879 appeared to be sensitive to changes in gut pH, food and salt form (solubililty), with approximately three- to four-fold change in areas under the curve (AUCs) observed.

Growth hormone stimulation of serum insulin concentration in cattle: nutritional dependency and potential mechanisms

Previous studies on the effect of growth hormone (GH) on serum insulin concentration in cattle had generated seemingly conflicting results, and little was known about the mechanism by which GH affects serum insulin concentration in cattle, if it does. In this study, we determined whether the effect of GH on serum insulin concentration in cattle could be affected by the nutritional levels of the animal and whether GH increased serum insulin concentration in cattle by directly stimulating insulin release or insulin gene expression in the pancreatic islets. Administration of recombinant bovine GH increased serum insulin concentration in nonlactating, nonpregnant beef cows fed a daily concentrate meal in addition to ad libitum hay, but it had no effect in those cows fed hay only. Both GH treatments for 1 and 24h increased insulin concentrations in cultures of pancreatic islets isolated from growing cattle. Growth hormone treatment for 24h increased insulin mRNA expression in cultured bovine pancreatic islets. Growth hormone treatment for 16h increased reporter gene expression directed by a approximately 1,500-bp bovine insulin gene promoter in a rat insulin-producing beta cell line. Taken together, these results suggest that exogenous GH can increase serum insulin concentration in cattle, but this effect depends on the nutritional levels of fed cattle, and that GH increases serum insulin concentration in cattle by stimulating both insulin release and insulin gene expression in the pancreatic islets.

Risk factors for inhibitor formation in haemophilia: a prevalent case-control study

Inhibitor formation is a major complication of haemophilia treatment. In a prevalent case-control study, we evaluated blood product exposure, genotype and HLA type on haemophilia A inhibitor formation. Product exposure was extracted from medical records. Genotype was determined on stored DNA samples by detection of virtually all mutations-SSCP (DOVAM-S) and subcycling PCR. HLA typing was performed by PCR amplification and exonuclease-released fluorescence. Cases experienced higher intensity factor, 455 vs. 200 U per exposure, P < 0.005, more frequent central nervous system (CNS) bleeding, seven of 20 (35.0%) vs. one of 57 (1.7%), P = 0.001 and more commonly from inhibitor families, seven of 20 (35.0%) vs. zero of 57 (0%), P < 0.001, and African-American, 12 of 63 (19.0%) vs. six of 117 (5.1%), P = 0.015. Among the latter, CNS bleeding was more commonly the initial bleed, 60% vs. 0%, P < 0.001, and survival was shorter, 14 vs. 38 yr, P = 0.025. Inhibitor formation was uncommon in those with missense mutations, two of 65 (3.1%) vs. 31 of 119 (26.0%), P = 0.008, and unrelated to factor VIII immunogenic epitope, P = 0.388, or HLA type, P > 0.100. Genotype was not associated with race. Time to immune tolerance was shorter for titres <120 vs. > or = 120 BU/mL, six vs. 16 months, P < 0.01, but unaffected by tolerizing dose regimen, P > 0.50. Inhibitor formation is associated with high intensity product exposure, CNS bleeding, African-American race and low frequency of missense mutations. The ideal time to initiate prophylaxis to reduce CNS bleeding and inhibitor formation will require prospective studies.

The relationship among renal injury, changed activity of renal 1-alpha hydroxylase and bone loss in elderly rats with insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chronic kidney disease can lead to a decrease in active vitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D], which may be reversed by 1-alpha hydroxyvitamin D [1-alpha(OH)D]. Renal 1-alpha hydroxylase, expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells, is a key enzyme in the synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D. 1,25- (OH)2D plays an important role in the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism, and its deficiency can result in osteoporosis. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR) are associated with renal injury, decrease in 1,25-(OH)2D and bone loss. The study aimed to explore the relationship among renal injury, decrease in 1,25-(OH)2D and bone loss in the presence of IR or T2DM, as well as the role of renal 1-alpha hydroxylase in the process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty 18-month-old male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups: normal control group (Group N), IR group (Group I), T2DM group (Group D), No.1 treatment group (Group T1), and No.2 treatment group (Group T2), 10 in each group. High-fat diet was administered to induce IR, while high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin were jointly applied to induce T2DM. Rats in Groups T1 and T2 were treated with vitamin D and 1-alpha(OH)D, respectively. At week 12, IR was determined by the use of euglycemic insulin clamp technique for rats in each group, and then glucose infusion rate (GIR) was calculated. Meanwhile, urinary albumin (UA), serum 25-(OH)D and 1,25-(OH)2D levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. After the rats were sacrificed, bone mineral density (BMD) in femoral bone and lumbar vertebrae was measured by the use of dual energy X-ray absorption.

RESULTS

The GIR in Group N was significantly higher than that of the other 4 groups (p<0.01). Compared with Groups N (p<0.01) or I (p<0.05), the UA levels in Groups D, T1, and T2 were obviously higher. The UA level in Group I was higher than that of Group N, but the difference was not significant (p>0.05). In Groups D and I, the UA levels showed a negative correlation with GIR. No significant difference was observed in the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D]. The levels of 1,25-(OH)2D in Groups D and T1 were markedly lower than that of Groups N or T2 (p<0.01). The 1,25-(OH)2D level in Group I was lower than that of Group N (p<0.05), but higher than that of Group D (p<0.01). The 1,25-(OH)2D level in Group T2 was nearly equivalent to that of Group N. In Groups D and I, the levels of 1,25-(OH)2D were negatively correlated with UA, and positively correlated with GIR. The BMD levels in lumbar vertebrae or femoral bone in Groups D and T1 were similar, but both were lower than that of Groups T2 (p<0.05) and N (p<0.01). The BMD levels were lower in Groups I and T2 compared with that of Group N (p<0.05), but higher than that of Groups D and T1 (p<0.05). The BMD levels in lumbar vertebrae or femoral bone in Groups I and D were positively correlated with GIR. The BMD level in lumbar vertebrae or femoral bone in Group D showed negative correlation with UA.

CONCLUSION

In elderly rats with T2DM or IR, renal injury may cause decreased activity of renal 1-alpha hydroxylase, which may result in bone loss and disturbance in VD metabolism, mainly manifesting as a significant reduction in the 1,25-(OH)2D level.

Effects of Alendronate on the Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of MG-63 Cells

Previous studies of the direct actions of bisphosphonates on bone have mainly been limited to their effects on bone-resorbing osteoclasts and little is known about the direct effects of bisphosphonates on osteoblasts. Here we report the direct effects of alendronate on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the MG-63 osteoblast-like cell line. Cell proliferation was determined with the MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, osteogenic differentiation was evaluated with an alkaline phosphatase bioassay and by analysis of gene expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the extent of calcium deposition was measured using Alizarin Red S staining. Alendronate significantly increased cell numbers over control values, with the greatest effect at 10−8 M. Alkaline phosphatase activity and gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2, type I collagen and osteocalcin were increased after alendronate treatment. Alendronate also stimulated calcium deposition. We conclude that alendronate, apart from inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption, is also a promoter of osteoblast proliferation and maturation.

The compression and expansion waves of the forward and backward flows: an in-vitro arterial model

Although the propagation of arterial waves of forward flows has been studied before, that of backward flows has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this research is to investigate the propagation of the compression and expansion waves of backward flows in terms of wave speed and dissipation, in flexible tubes. The aim is also to compare the propagation of these waves with those of forward flows. A piston pump generated a flow waveform in the shape of approximately half-sinusoid, in flexible tubes (12 mm and 16 mm diameter). The pump produced flow in either the forward or the backward direction by moving the piston forward, in a 'pushing action' or backward, in a 'pulling action', using a graphite brushes d.c. motor. Pressure and flow were measured at intervals of 5 cm along each tube and wave speed was determined using the PU-loop method. The simultaneous measurements of diameter were also taken at the same position of the pressure and flow in the 16 mm tube. Wave intensity analysis was used to determine the magnitude of the pressure and velocity waveforms and wave intensity in the forward and backward directions. Under the same initial experimental conditions, wave speed was higher during the pulling action (backward flow) than during the pushing action (forward flow). The amplitudes of pressure and velocity in the pulling action were significantly higher than those in the pushing action. The tube diameter was approximately 20 per cent smaller in the pulling action than in the pushing action in the 16 mm tube. The compression and expansion waves resulting from the pushing and pulling actions dissipated exponentially along the travelling distance, and their dissipation was greater in the smaller than in the larger tubes. Local wave speed in flexible tubes is flow direction- and wave nature-dependent and is greater with expansion than with compression waves. Wave dissipation has an inverse relationship with the vessel diameter, and dissipation of the expansion wave of the pulling action was greater than that of the pushing action.