Ability of a Generalist Seed Beetle to Colonize an Exotic Host: Effects of Host Plant Origin and Oviposition Host

The colonization of an exotic species by native herbivores is more likely to occur if that herbivore is a generalist. There is little information on the life-history mechanisms used by native generalist insects to colonize exotic hosts and how these mechanisms are affected by host properties. We examined the ability of the generalist seed beetle Stator limbatus Horn to colonize an exotic species. We compared its host preference, acceptability, performance, and egg size when ovipositing and developing on two native (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth and Senegalia riparia (Kunth)) and one exotic legume species (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.)). We also analyzed the seed chemistry. We found that females recognize the exotic species as an unfavorable host for larval development and that they delayed oviposition and laid fewer and larger eggs on the exotic species than on the native species. Survivorship on the exotic host was 0%. Additionally, seeds of the native species contain five chemical compounds that are absent in the exotic species, and the exotic species contains three sterols, which are absent in the native legumes. Genetically based differences between beetles adapted to different hosts, plastic responses toward new hosts, and chemical differences among seeds are important in host colonization and recognition of the exotic host. In conclusion, the generalist nature of S. limbatus does not influence its ability to colonize L. leucocephala. Explanations for the colonization of exotic hosts by generalist native species and for the success of invasive species must be complemented with studies measuring local adaptation and plasticity.

Iron Deficiency in the Acute-Phase Reaction After Open Aortic Surgery

The objective of this study was to quantify the magnitude of iron deficiency in the postoperative period after open aortic surgery. This was a prospective observational study in 55 consecutive patients. Blood samples were obtained on postoperative days 1, 2, 4, 30, and 45, and the parameters determined were the following: iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation index, transferrin-soluble receptor, ferritin, red cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and number of blood units transfused. We performed statistical ANOVA test for repetitive measurements (lower bound) in regard to its basal level. Iron deficiency and its parameters reached the maximum at 48 hours postoperatively (iron: 18.92 g/dL and transferrin saturation index: 11.1%) (P <.05). There was not a complete recovery after 45 days (iron: 51.23 g/dL and transferrin saturation index: 18.0%) (P <.05). A similar evolution was observed in the other measured parameters (red cell count: 3.5 x 106/L.; hemoglobin: 10.4 g/dL; hematocrit: 30.7%) (P <.005), none affecting the values of concentration or volume (P <.05). Transferrin-soluble receptors, normal at first, were increased at postoperative days 30 and 45 (2.7 and 2.4 mg/dL respectively, P <.005). After open aortic surgery there is an important acute-phase reaction, a dramatic iron deficiency, and a lack of its transporters until the 45th analyzed day. The elevation of transferrin-soluble receptors in the 4th and 6th weeks denotes a necessity of iron supplementation for a correct development of the immature hematic cells since blood parameters do not reach normal levels in the 6th postoperative week.

Cost-effectiveness of pazopanib compared with sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma in Canada

BACKGROUND

In Canada and elsewhere, pazopanib and sunitinib-tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors-are recommended as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mrcc). A large randomized noninferiority trial of pazopanib versus sunitinib (comparz) demonstrated that the two drugs have similar efficacy; however, patients randomized to pazopanib experienced better health-related quality of life (hrqol) and nominally lower rates of non-study medical resource utilization.

METHODS

The cost-effectiveness of pazopanib compared with sunitinib for first-line treatment of mrcc from a Canadian health care system perspective was evaluated using a partitioned-survival model that incorporated data from comparz and other secondary sources. The time horizon of 5 years was based on the maximum duration of follow-up in the final analysis of overall survival from the comparz trial. Analyses were conducted first using list prices for pazopanib and sunitinib and then by assuming that the prices of sunitinib and pazopanib would be equivalent.

RESULTS

Based on list prices, expected costs were CA$10,293 less with pazopanib than with sunitinib. Pazopanib was estimated to yield 0.059 more quality-adjusted life-years (qalys). Pazopanib was therefore dominant (more qalys and lower costs) compared with sunitinib in the base case. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, pazopanib was dominant in 79% of simulations and was cost-effective in 90%-100% of simulations at a threshold cost-effectiveness ratio of CA$100,000. Assuming equivalent pricing, pazopanib yielded CA$917 in savings in the base case, was dominant in 36% of probabilistic sensitivity analysis simulations, and was cost-effective in 89% of simulations at a threshold cost-effectiveness ratio of CA$100,000.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with sunitinib, pazopanib is likely to be a cost-effective option for first-line treatment of mrcc from a Canadian health care perspective.

Mice Lacking GPR88 Show Motor Deficit, Improved Spatial Learning, and Low Anxiety Reversed by Delta Opioid Antagonist

BACKGROUND

GPR88 is an orphan G protein coupled receptor highly enriched in the striatum, and previous studies have focused on GPR88 function in striatal physiology. The receptor is also expressed in other brain areas, and here we examined whether GPR88 function extends beyond striatal-mediated responses.

METHODS

We created Gpr88 knockout mice and examined both striatal and extrastriatal regions at molecular and cellular levels. We also tested striatum-, hippocampus-, and amygdala-dependent behaviors in Gpr88(-/-) mice using extensive behavioral testing.

RESULTS

We found increased G protein coupling for delta opioid receptor (DOR) and mu opioid, but not other Gi/o coupled receptors, in the striatum of Gpr88 knockout mice. We also found modifications in gene transcription, dopamine and serotonin contents, and dendritic morphology inside and outside the striatum. Behavioral testing confirmed striatal deficits (hyperactivity, stereotypies, motor impairment in rotarod). In addition, mutant mice performed better in spatial tasks dependent on hippocampus (Y-maze, novel object recognition, dual solution cross-maze) and also showed markedly reduced levels of anxiety (elevated plus maze, marble burying, novelty suppressed feeding). Strikingly, chronic blockade of DOR using naltrindole partially improved motor coordination and normalized spatial navigation and anxiety of Gpr88(-/-) mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that GPR88 is implicated in a large repertoire of behavioral responses that engage motor activity, spatial learning, and emotional processing. Our data also reveal functional antagonism between GPR88 and DOR activities in vivo. The therapeutic potential of GPR88 therefore extends to cognitive and anxiety disorders, possibly in interaction with other receptor systems.

Dopamine Modulates Motor Control in a Specific Plane Related to Support

At the acute stage following unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL), rats, mice or guinea pigs exhibit a complex motor syndrome combining circling (HSCC lesion) and rolling (utricular lesion). At the chronic stage, they only display circling, because proprioceptive information related to the plane of support substitutes the missing utricular information to control posture in the frontal plane. Circling is also observed following unilateral lesion of the mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons by 6- hydroxydopamine hydrobromide (6-OHDA rats) and systemic injection of apomorphine (APO rats). The resemblance of behavior induced by unilateral vestibular and dopaminergic lesions at the chronic stage can be interpreted in two ways. One hypothesis is that the dopaminergic system exerts three-dimensional control over motricity, as the vestibular system does. If this hypothesis is correct, then a unilateral lesion of the nigro-striatal pathway should induce three-dimensional motor deficits, i.e., circling and at least some sort of barrel rolling at the acute stage of the lesion. Then, compensation could also take place very rapidly based on proprioception, which would explain the prevalence of circling. In addition, barrel rolling should reappear when the rodent is placed in water, as it occurs in UL vertebrates. Alternatively, the dopaminergic network, together with neurons processing the horizontal canal information, could control the homeostasis of posture and locomotion specifically in one and only one plane of space, i.e. the plane related to the basis of support. In that case, barrel rolling should never occur, whether at the acute or chronic stage on firm ground or in water. Moreover, circling should have the same characteristics following both types of lesions. Clearly, 6-OHDA and APO-rats never exhibited barrel rolling at the acute stage. They circled at the acute stage of the lesion and continued to do so three weeks later, including in water. In contrast, UL-rats, exhibited both circling and barrel rolling at the acute stage, and then only circled on the ground. Furthermore, barrel rolling instantaneously reappeared in water in UL rats, which was not the case in 6-OHDA and APO-rats. That is, the lesion of the dopaminergic system on one side did not compromise trim in the pitch and roll planes, even when proprioceptive information related to the basis of support was lacking as in water. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that dopamine does not exert three-dimensional control of the motor system but regulates postural control in one particular plane of space, the one related to the basis of support. In contrast, as previously shown, the vestibular system exerts three-dimensional control on posture. That is, we show here for the first time a relationship between a given neuromodulator and the spatial organization of motor control.

Is there a pathological alpha angle for hip impingement? A diagnostic test study

The normal value of alpha angle is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the alpha angle in asymptomatic volunteers versus patients who had undergone surgery for symptomatic cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and determine a diagnostic cut-off value for symptomatic cam impingement. This is a diagnostic test study. Cases were defined as those patients who had undergone surgery for symptomatic cam or mixed type FAI. Controls were defined as asymptomatic volunteers, with no history of hip pain who had undergone a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis for a non-joint or bone-related reason. In both groups, the alpha angle was measured in an oblique axial CT reconstruction of the femoral neck. A logistic regression model was first estimated and a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was then calculated. The diagnostic cut-off value selected was the one that maximizes sensitivity and specificity. Data were analysed from 38 consecutive cases of cam or mixed FAI and 101 controls. The average alpha angle was 67°(±12°) among cases and 48°°(±5°) among controls. An odds ratio of 1.28 [1.18-1.39] was obtained. A ROC curve of 0.96 [0.93-0.99] was calculated, and using an alpha angle of 57° as the diagnostic cut-off value, provided a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 95%. If a patient complains of hip pain and an alpha angle of 57° is found in CT, strongly suggest that cam impingement is causing the pain.

Developmental and adult expression patterns of the G-protein-coupled receptor GPR88 in the rat: Establishment of a dual nuclear-cytoplasmic localization

GPR88 is a neuronal cerebral orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that has been linked to various psychiatric disorders. However, no extensive description of its localization has been provided so far. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal expression of the GPR88 in prenatal and postnatal rat tissues by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. GPR88 protein was initially detected at embryonic day 16 (E16) in the striatal primordium. From E16-E20 to adulthood, the highest expression levels of both protein and mRNA were observed in striatum, olfactory tubercle, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and neocortex, whereas in spinal cord, pons, and medulla GPR88 expression remains discrete. We observed an intracellular redistribution of GPR88 during cortical lamination. In the cortical plate of the developing cortex, GPR88 presents a classical GPCR plasma membrane/cytoplasmic localization that shifts, on the day of birth, to nuclei of neurons progressively settling in layers V to II. This intranuclear localization remains throughout adulthood and was also detected in monkey and human cortex as well as in the amygdala and hypothalamus of rats. Apart from the central nervous system, GPR88 was transiently expressed at high levels in peripheral tissues, including adrenal cortex (E16-E21) and cochlear ganglia (E19-P3), and also at moderate levels in retina (E18-E19) and spleen (E21-P7). The description of the GPR88 anatomical expression pattern may provide precious functional insights into this novel receptor. Furthermore, the GRP88 nuclear localization suggests nonclassical GPCR modes of action of the protein that could be relevant for cortical development and psychiatric disorders. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2776-2802, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Obesity shifts house dust mite-induced airway cellular infiltration from eosinophils to macrophages: effects of glucocorticoid treatment

Although classically characterized by chronic airway inflammation with eosinophil infiltration, asthma is a complex and multifactorial condition with numerous clinical phenotypes. Epidemiological studies strongly support the link between obesity and asthma and suggest that obesity precedes and promotes asthma development, increases asthma severity, and reduces steroid responsivity. Using a house dust mite (HDM) model of airway hyperresponsiveness in C57BL/6 mice, we examined the effects of diet-induced obesity on allergic airway inflammation and its treatment with dexamethasone. When compared to lean mice treated with HDM, obese-HDM mice had reduced plasma adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, lower eosinophil and higher macrophage infiltration into the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, increased expression of total, M1, and M2 macrophage markers in the lungs, and enhanced Th2 and non-Th2 cytokine expression in the lungs. While Th2-associated responses in obese-HDM mice were suppressed by systemic dexamethasone, several Th2-independent responses, including total and M1 macrophage markers in the lungs, and lung CXC-motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) levels, were not improved following dexamethasone treatment. Thus, HDM combined with obesity promotes mixed localized inflammatory responses (e.g., M1, M2, Th1, and Th2) and shifts the cellular infiltration from eosinophils to macrophages, which are less sensitive to dexamethasone regulation. Because obese asthmatics exhibit more severe symptoms, lack a predominance of Th2 biomarkers, and are predicted to experience more steroid resistance when compared to lean asthmatics, this model could be used to study blunted steroid responses in obese-HDM mice and to define the macrophages found in the lungs.

Hip Morphology Characterization: Implications in Femoroacetabular Impingement in a Chilean Population

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is the result of a mechanical conflict in the hip joint, and its diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological parameters. To our knowledge, there are no published studies describing the radiologic characteristics of FAI in Latin American populations.

Purpose:

To describe the radiological features associated with FAI in an asymptomatic Chilean population.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We prospectively recruited asymptomatic patients with no history or symptoms of hip pathology who underwent abdomen-pelvis computed tomography (CT) for a nonorthopaedic indication. The acetabular and femoral parameters related to FAI were measured.

Results:

We studied 101 subjects (202 hips) with a mean age of 36.8 ± 14.4 years. The mean center-edge angle was 39.4° ± 7.2°. The crossover sign was present in 34 cases (33.7%). The mean alpha angle was 49.7° ± 8.3°. Depending on the cut points chosen for FAI-related parameters, between 39.6% and 69.3% of an asymptomatic Chilean population were found to have morphological features related to FAI.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that the proposed pathological threshold values in the literature cannot be extrapolated to a Chilean population, and this must be taken into consideration when evaluating Latin American patients with hip pain.

Diagnostic accuracy study of multiplex PCR for detecting tuberculosis drug resistance

OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnostic accuracy of a multiplex real-time PCR (Anyplex II MTB/MDR/XDR, Seegene, Corea) that detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), fluoroquinolones (FLQ) and injectable drugs (kanamycin [KAN], amikacin [AMK] and capreomycin [CAP]) in isolates and specimens.

METHODS

One hundred fourteen cultured isolates and 73 sputum specimens were retrospectively selected. Results obtained with multiplex PCR were compared with those obtained with BACTEC. Discordant results between multiplex PCR and BACTEC were tested by alternative molecular methods.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and specificity of multiplex PCR for detecting drug resistance in isolates were 76.5% and 100%, respectively, for INH; 97.2% and 96.0%, respectively, for RIF; 70.4% and 87.9%, respectively, for FLQ; 81.5% and 84.8%, respectively, for KAN; 100% and 60%, respectively, for AMK, and 100% and 72.3%, respectively, for CAP. Sensitivity and specificity of Anyplex for detecting drug resistance in specimens were 93.3% and 100%, respectively, for INH; 100% and 100%, respectively, for RIF; 50.0% and 100%, respectively, for FLQ; and 100% and 94.4%, respectively, for both KAN and CAP. Among the discordant results, 87.7% (71/81) of results obtained with the multiplex PCR were concordant with at least one of the alternative molecular methods.

CONCLUSIONS

This multiplex PCR may be a useful tool for the rapid identification of drug resistant tuberculosis in isolates and specimens, thus allowing an initial therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, for a correct management of patients, results should be confirmed by a phenotypic method.

Fluid Extravasation Related to Hip Arthroscopy: A Prospective Computed Tomography-Based Study

Background:

Complications related to hip arthroscopy are rare, with a current rate of <2%. Some complications are related to fluid extravasation, which has been associated with life-threatening conditions such as abdominal compartment syndrome, cardiopulmonary arrest, hypothermia, and atelectasis.

Purpose:

To identify risk factors for fluid volume extravasation in hip arthroscopy and to determine the relationship between anatomical location on computed tomography (CT) and extravasated volume.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We performed a prospective cohort study of 40 consecutive arthroscopies for femoroacetabular impingement. Patient demographics and procedures performed (ie, acetabuloplasty and its size, femoral osteoplasty, and psoas tenotomy) were recorded. The extravasated volume was estimated by the difference between the infused volume and the intraoperatively collected volume. Within 12 hours after the procedure, the pelvis was scanned by CT. We created a 3-stage radiological classification based on progressive involvement of anatomical structures attributed to liquid extravasation. Statistical analyses were performed with a 95% CI and a significance level of 5%.

Results:

No relevant clinical symptoms related to fluid extravasation were recorded. The mean extravasated volume was 3.06 L at a rate of 1.05 L/h, corresponding to nearly 10% of the infused volume. There was a trend toward greater extravasated volume with longer operative time and longer time in the peripheral compartment (without axial traction); however, there was no statistical significance. The anatomical classification on CT imaging was directly related to the extravasated volume and compromised the thigh, gluteus, and retroperitoneum and intraperitoneal spaces. There was a 6-fold greater probability of female patients having an advanced stage extravasation on CT classification.

Conclusion:

In our series, 10% of the infused volume was extravasated in uncomplicated hip arthroscopy. Risk factors for extravasation were related to operative time, particularly during peripheral compartment intervention (ie, without traction). The anatomical classification proposed in this study reflects the progressive involvement of the thigh, gluteus, iliopsoas, and retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal spaces after increase in extravasated volume. Compared with males, females were associated with more severe anatomical compromise for the same extravasated volume.

EEG functional connectivity is partially predicted by underlying white matter connectivity

Over the past decade, networks have become a leading model to illustrate both the anatomical relationships (structural networks) and the coupling of dynamic physiology (functional networks) linking separate brain regions. The relationship between these two levels of description remains incompletely understood and an area of intense research interest. In particular, it is unclear how cortical currents relate to underlying brain structural architecture. In addition, although theory suggests that brain communication is highly frequency dependent, how structural connections influence overlying functional connectivity in different frequency bands has not been previously explored. Here we relate functional networks inferred from statistical associations between source imaging of EEG activity and underlying cortico-cortical structural brain connectivity determined by probabilistic white matter tractography. We evaluate spontaneous fluctuating cortical brain activity over a long time scale (minutes) and relate inferred functional networks to underlying structural connectivity for broadband signals, as well as in seven distinct frequency bands. We find that cortical networks derived from source EEG estimates partially reflect both direct and indirect underlying white matter connectivity in all frequency bands evaluated. In addition, we find that when structural support is absent, functional connectivity is significantly reduced for high frequency bands compared to low frequency bands. The association between cortical currents and underlying white matter connectivity highlights the obligatory interdependence of functional and structural networks in the human brain. The increased dependence on structural support for the coupling of higher frequency brain rhythms provides new evidence for how underlying anatomy directly shapes emergent brain dynamics at fast time scales.

Aging, but not tau pathology, impacts olfactory performances and somatostatin systems in THY-Tau22 mice

Somatostatin (SOM) cortical levels decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in correlation with cognitive impairment severity, the latter being closely related to the presence of neurofibrillary tangles. Impaired olfaction is another hallmark of AD tightly related to tau pathology in the olfactory pathways. Recent studies showed that SOM modulates olfactory processing, suggesting that alterations in SOM levels participate to olfactory deficits in AD. Herein, we first observed that human olfactory peduncle and cortex are enriched in SOM cells and fibers, in aged postmortem brains. Then, the possible link between SOM alterations and olfactory deficits was evaluated by exploring the impact of age and tau hyperphosphorylation on olfactory SOM networks and behavioral performances in THY-Tau22 mice, a tauopathy transgenic model. Distinct molecular repertoires of SOM peptide and receptors were associated to sensory or cortical olfactory processing structures. Aging mainly affected SOM neurotransmission in piriform and entorhinal cortex in wild-type mice, although olfactory performances decreased. However, no further olfactory impairment was evidenced in THY-Tau22 mice until 12 months although tau pathology early affected olfactory cortical structures. Thus, tau hyperphosphorylation per se has a limited impact on olfactory performances in THY-Tau22 mice.

Muscle magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology in ACTA1-related congenital nemaline myopathy

INTRODUCTION

Muscle biopsy is usually diagnostic in nemaline myopathy (NM), but some patients may show nonspecific findings, leading to pitfalls in diagnosis. Muscle MRI is a helpful complementary tool.

METHODS

We assessed the clinical, histopathological, MRI, and molecular findings in a 19-year-old patient with NM in whom 2 muscle biopsies with ultrastructural examination showed no nemaline bodies. We analyzed the degree and pattern of muscle MRI involvement of the entire body, including the tongue and pectoral muscles.

RESULTS

Muscle MRI abnormalities in sartorius, adductor magnus, and anterior compartment muscles of the leg suggested NM. A previously unreported fatty infiltration of the tongue was found. A third biopsy after the muscle MRI showed scant nemaline bodies. A novel heterozygous de novo ACTA1 c.611C>T/p.Thr204Ile mutation was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlight the contribution of muscle imaging in addressing the genetic diagnosis of ACTA1-related NM.