Laparoscopic management of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage

Wünderlich's syndrome is a spontaneous nontraumatic massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage. It is usually secondary to a renal neoplasm, with angiomyolipoma being the most frequent followed by renal cell carcinoma. The management of spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding varies depending on the hemodynamic status of the patient. We present the first report of a transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy in a patient with spontaneous retroperitoneal active bleeding secondary to a right renal mass.

The effect of feeding system in the expression of genes related with fat metabolism in semitendinous muscle in sheep

The effect of feeding system on the expression of LPL, ACACA, FASN, FABP4, DGAT1, SCD, CPT1B, PRKAA2, LEP, SREBP1, PPARG, PPARA and CEBPB genes in semitendinous muscle was studied. Forty-four single born male lambs of the Rasa Aragonesa breed, allocated to four different dietary treatments, were used: grazing alfalfa, grazing alfalfa with supplement for lambs, indoor lambs with grazing ewes and drylot. Significant differences were found in the expression of genes LPL, ACACA, FASN, FABP4, CPT1B and SCD. Genes related to adipogenesis (LPL, ACACA, FASN, FABP4, and SCD) are up-regulated in the intensive groups. In grazing groups CPT1B gene expression, related to β-oxidation process, is up-regulated. The relative expression of CPT1B was 1.54 fold higher in ALF+S, and 0.43 and 0.37 fold lower in IND- GRE and IND, respectively. The results support the hypothesis that changes in fatty acid profile due to feeding system implicate changes in the mRNA expression level of genes related with fat metabolism. Feeding strategy is an important tool to manipulate intramuscular fatty acid profile in meat through altering gene expression of enzymes related with fat metabolism.

Methodological limitations in research on late psychoses

Introduction

Late psychoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders whose nosology has been controversial throughout history. The concept of dementia praecox introduced by Kraepelin, and based on the progressive deterioration and early onset, has been so dominant in the last decades that few issues have created as much controversy as that schizophrenia can begin in late age. Our purpose is to identify the different obstacles in the research in late psychoses to be able to overcome these limitations and improve the study in this area.

Methods

A literature review was achieved using the National Library of Medicine and PubMed search system.

Results

We found historical limitations, because over the last century, different schools of psychiatry have used different nomenclatures and age limits to define late-onset psychotic disorders. Prevailing beliefs in the low frequency of these diseases or in the association of the onset of psychotic symptoms in the elderly with cognitive impairment have interfered with epidemiological research in this area. Moreover, older psychotic patients are often excluded from epidemiological and pharmacological research. Lack of insight and social isolation determine sampling bias and reliability problems.

Conclusions

Seemengly strong knowledge on late-onset schizophrenia is based, in fact, in samples from patients with late paraphrenia or mixed samples. It becomes mandatory to define concepts and establish diagnostic criteria, and to conduct multicenter studies to increase the size of our samples.

SIRT1 stabilizes PML promoting its sumoylation

SIRT1, the closest mammalian homolog of yeast Sir2, is an NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase with relevant functions in cancer, aging, and metabolism among other processes. SIRT1 has a diffuse nuclear localization but is recruited to the PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) after PML upregulation. However, the functions of SIRT1 in the PML-NBs are unknown. In this study we show that primary mouse embryo fibroblasts lacking SIRT1 contain reduced PML protein levels that are increased after reintroduction of SIRT1. In addition, overexpression of SIRT1 in HEK-293 cells increases the amount of PML protein whereas knockdown of SIRT1 reduces the size and number of PML-NBs and the levels of PML protein in HeLa cells. SIRT1 stimulates PML sumoylation in vitro and in vivo in a deacetylase-independent manner. Importantly, the absence of SIRT1 reduces the apoptotic response of vesicular stomatitis virus-infected cells and favors the extent of this PML-sensitive virus replication. These results show a novel function of SIRT1 in the control of PML and PML-NBs.

The bovine annexin 9 gene (ANXA9) is significantly associated with milk-fat yield in a Spanish Holstein-Friesian population

On the basis of QTL studies for milk-fat yield trait on BTA3, annexin 9 protein (ANXA9), fatty acid transport protein type 3 (SLC27A3) and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) were selected as candidate genes. Three different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of bovine ANXA9, SLC27A3 and DGAT1 genes have been tested in a selective genotyping design for milk-fat yield. Significant allele frequency differences were found for ANXA9 (p=0.02), in Holstein-Friesian animals with high and low breeding values for milk-fat yield. Regression analysis also showed a significant effect (p=0.0207) between estimated breeding values (EBVs) for fat milk content and ANXA9 polymorphism. So ANXA9 gene falls into a significant quantitative trait loci interval for milk-fat yield that was previously reported on bovine chromosome 3 in other dairy populations. Our results suggest that the ANXA9 gene polymorphism or a linked segregating QTL contributes to variation in milk-fat yield.

Differential gene expression in the perichondrium and cartilage of the neonatal mouse temporomandibular joint

Our goal was to discover genes differentially expressed in the perichondrium (PC) of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) that might enhance regenerative medicine or orthopaedic therapies directed at the tissues of the temporomandibular joint. We used targeted gene arrays (osteogenesis, stem cell) to identify genes preferentially expressed in the PC and the cartilaginous (C) portions of the MCC in 2-day-old mice. Genes with higher expression in the PC sample related to growth factor ligand-receptor interactions [FGF-13 (6.4x), FGF-18 (4x), NCAM (2x); PGDF receptors, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and IGF-1], the Notch isoforms (especially Notch 3 and 4) and their ligands or structural proteins/proteoglycans [collagen XIV (21x), collagen XVIII (4x), decorin (2.5x)]. Genes with higher expression in the C sample consisted mostly of known cartilage-specific genes [aggrecan (11x), procollagens X (33x), XI (14x), IX (4.5x), Sox 9 (4.4x) and Indian hedgehog (6.7x)]. However, the functional or structural roles of several genes that were expressed at higher levels in the PC sample are unclear [myogenic factor (Myf) 9 (9x), tooth-related genes such as tuftelin (2.5x) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (1.6x), VEGF-B (2x) and its receptors (3-4x) and sclerostin (1.7x)]. FGF, Notch and TGF-beta signalling may be important regulators of MCC proliferation and differentiation; the relatively high expression of genes such as Myf6 and VEGF-B and its receptors suggests a degree of unsuspected plasticity in PC cells.

Mental retardation and inborn errors of metabolism

In countries where clinical phenylketonuria is detected by newborn screening inborn errors of metabolism are rare causes of isolated mental retardation. There is no international agreement about what type of metabolic tests must be applied in patients with unspecific mental retardation. However, and although infrequent, there are a number of inborn errors of metabolism that can present in this way. Because of the high recurrence risk and the possibility of specific therapies, guidelines need to be developed and adapted to different populations. The application of a universal protocol may result in a low diagnostic performance in individual ethnic populations. Consideration of associated signs (extraneurological manifestations, psychiatric signs, autistic traits, cerebellar dysfunction, epilepsy or dysmorphic traits) greatly improves the diagnostic fulfilment.

Inborn errors of metabolism and motor disturbances in children

Motor disturbances are very common in paediatric neurology. Often families can be reassured that these are just variants of normal development. However, abnormal movements can also be the hallmark of severe brain dysfunction of different and complex origins. This review concentrates on motor disturbances as frequent and important symptoms of inborn errors of metabolism. A structured diagnostic approach is developed taking into account age-dependent physiological developments and pathophysiological responses of gross and fine motor functions. A series of investigations are presented with the primary aim of early diagnosis of treatable conditions. The correct recognition and differentiation of movement disorders (ataxia, rigid akinetic syndrome (Fparkinsonism_), dystonia, athetosis, tremor,and others), spasticity, and neuromuscular disorders, requires profound neurological expertise. A high level of suspicion and close interaction between paediatric neurologists and specialists in inborn errors of metabolism are indispensable to effectively and timely identify patients in whom motor disturbances are the presenting and/or main symptom of an inborn error.

Histone macroH2A isoforms predict the risk of lung cancer recurrence

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Despite optimal diagnosis and early treatment, many patients die of recurrent disease. There are no sufficiently useful biomarkers to predict the risk of tumor recurrence. Here, we show that expression of histone macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A2 predicts lung cancer recurrence, identifying these histone variants as a novel tool for an improved risk stratification of cancer patients. Moreover, macroH2A isoforms are highly expressed in cells undergoing senescence, a known antitumor mechanism, suggesting macroH2A1.1 may be a useful biomarker for senescent cells in tumors.

Antioxidant and Nutritional Properties of Date Fruit from Elche Grove as Affected by Maturation and Phenotypic Variability of Date Palm

Some parameters related to nutritive and functional properties were evaluated in date fruit from seven date palms from the Elche grove along the maturation process, in order to obtain information about differences due to phenotypic variability. Results showed that sugar and organic acid concentration were different depending on date palm, the highest levels being reached at 100% Rutab stage, with glucose and fructose as the predominant sugars and malic acid as the major organic acid. Hydrophilic total antioxidant activity (HTAA) was high and correlated to phenolic content, with maxima levels being found at early, medium or late Khalal stages, depending on date palm. In addition, significant differences were found in both, phenolic concentration and HTAA among date palm and maturation stages, while lipophilic total antioxidant activity (LTAA) was very low, without changes along maturation and not correlated to HTAA. Then, date fruit from Elche grove could serve as a good source of natural antioxidant and it would be advisable to consume them at medium or late Khalal stages, in order to achieve the maxima nutritional (high concentration of sugars and organic acids), organoleptic (appropriated firmness levels, yellow or red color and low astringency) and functional properties with benefits to human health.

[A guide to the clinical diagnosis and urgent treatment of neonatal hyperammonaemia]

Symptomatic hyperammonaemia in newborn is a medical emergency that should be recognised in its early stages, specifically diagnosed and aggressively treated to improve the immediate and long-term prognosis of these children. The paediatrician and the neonatal doctor should have a diagnosis-therapy scheme for its urgent management.

Salermide, a Sirtuin inhibitor with a strong cancer-specific proapoptotic effect

Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and Sirtuin 2 (Sirt2) belong to the family of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-positive)-dependent class III histone deacetylases and are involved in regulating lifespan. As cancer is a disease of ageing, targeting Sirtuins is emerging as a promising antitumour strategy. Here we present Salermide (N-{3-[(2-hydroxy-naphthalen-1-ylmethylene)-amino]-phenyl}-2-phenyl-propionamide), a reverse amide with a strong in vitro inhibitory effect on Sirt1 and Sirt2. Salermide was well tolerated by mice at concentrations up to 100 muM and prompted tumour-specific cell death in a wide range of human cancer cell lines. The antitumour activity of Salermide was primarily because of a massive induction of apoptosis. This was independent of global tubulin and K16H4 acetylation, which ruled out a putative Sirt2-mediated apoptotic pathway and suggested an in vivo mechanism of action through Sirt1. Consistently with this, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Sirt1, but not Sirt2, induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Although p53 has been reported to be a target of Sirt1, genetic p53 knockdowns showed that the Sirt1-dependent proapoptotic effect of Salermide is p53-independent. We were finally able to ascribe the apoptotic effect of Salermide to the reactivation of proapoptotic genes epigenetically repressed exclusively in cancer cells by Sirt1. Taken together, our results underline Salermide's promise as an anticancer drug and provide evidence for the molecular mechanism through which Sirt1 is involved in human tumorigenesis.

[Biochemical characterization of the optic nerve in mice overexpressing the P53 gen. Oxidative stress assays]

PURPOSE

The tumour inhibitor p53 gene has the ability of triggering proliferation arrest and cellular death by apoptosis subsequent to several factors, among them oxidative stress. The p53 protein is a major regulator of gene expression. Using genetically manipulated mice carrying an extra copy of gene p53 (transgenic mice super p53) versus control mice, we have investigated the generation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant activity in the optic nerve of mice in relation to p53 availability.

METHODS

We studied two groups of 12-month-old mice of the strain C57BL/6: 1) super p53 group (Sp53) and 2) wild-type control group (CG). Mice were anesthetized in ether atmosphere and the eyeball and retrobulbar optic nerves were excised, washed, soaked in PBS, and stored in liquid nitrogen at -85 degrees C until processing. Three-four optic nerves from the same group were placed in an eppendorf tube, homogenized and enzymatic-colorimetric methods used to determine oxidative and antioxidant activities and the nitric oxide synthesis.

RESULTS

A significant increase in free radical formation (via lipid peroxidation; p<0.001), antioxidant activity (p<0.001) and nitric oxide synthesis (p<0.001) was found in the optic nerves from transgenic super p53 mice compared to respective controls.

CONCLUSION

The presence of an extra copy of the p53 gene correlated with redox status in the mouse optic nerve. This transgenic mouse could be useful as an experimental model to study cell resistance to neurodegenerative processes in relation to oxidative stress and to apoptosis induction, such as glaucomatous optic neuropathy or age-related macular degeneration.

Use of Modified Atmosphere Packaging with Microperforated Polypropylene Films to Maintain Postharvest Loquat Fruit Quality

Loquat fruits (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl cv. `Algerie') were stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), using five types of microperforated polypropylene (PP) films during 2, 4, and 6 weeks at 2 °C and for a subsequent period of 4 days at 20 °C shelf life (SL) out of the bags. Loquat fruits stored without packaging and in normal air served as control. The atmosphere composition at the steady state depended on the film permeability, ranging from 1.2 to 8.5 kPa for CO2 and from 19.5 to 13 kPa for O2 as film permeability decreased. Weight loss was drastically reduced by MAP conditions. Softening, color evolution, and decreases in sugars and organic acids were delayed, these effects also being evident after the SL period. Scores for visual aspect and facility of peeling were also higher for loquat stored in MAP than for controls. Taking into account results form all quality parameters, the most suitable atmosphere for loquat storage was found to be around 2—4 and 16—18 kPa for CO2 and O2, respectively, reached in the PA-80 and PA-60 films. In addition, the storage period for optimum loquat quality maintenance was established as 2 weeks of cold storage plus SL for control fruits, while under MAP conditions, storage periods could be extended up to 6 weeks plus SL, especially using PA-80 and PA-60 films.

Secondary abnormalities of neurotransmitters in infants with neurological disorders

Neurotransmitters are essential in young children for differentiation and neuronal growth of the developing nervous system. We aimed to identify possible factors related to secondary neurotransmitter abnormalities in pediatric patients with neurological disorders. We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and biogenic amine metabolites in 56 infants (33 males, 23 females; mean age 5.8mo [SD 4.1mo] range 1d-1y) with neurological disorders whose aetiology was initially unknown. Patients were classified into three clinical phenotypes: epileptic encephalopathy, severe motor impairment, and non-specific manifestations. All patients showed normal results for screening of inborn errors of metabolism. We report clinical, neuroimaging, and follow-up data. Among the patients studied, 10 had low homovanillic acid (HVA) levels and in four patients, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) was also reduced. Patients with neonatal onset had significantly lower levels of HVA than a comparison group. HVA deficiency was also associated with severe motor impairment and the final diagnosis related to neurodegenerative disorders. 5-HIAA values tended to be decreased in patients with brain cortical atrophy. The possibility of treating patients with L-Dopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan, in order to improve their neurological function and maturation, may be considered.

Persistence of circulating tumour cells after treatment predicts clinical outcome in breast cancer patients

21080

Background: The hematogenous distant metastasis is the leading cause of cancer death. This process involves the passage through the blood and lymphatic circulation of circulating tumor cells (CTC) with metastatic properties. Thus, the early detection of such cells has important implication for cancer prognosis, monitoring of treatment and to predict clinical outcome. We present the results that showed that CTC are prognostic factor after chemotherapy independently of treatment. Methods: A total of 59 patients with breast cancer were enrolled in this study between April 2000 and December 2002. The median follow-up was 50 months. All patients received chemotherapy as first line treatment. Results of this work included CTC detection one month after of the end of chemotherapy. After informed consent, 10ml of heparinized peripheral blood was collected from patients. For enrichment of CTC we use the Carcinoma Cell Enrichment and Detection kit using MACS technology (Miltenyi Biotec). After enrichment of epithelial tumor cells immunomagnetic labeled with a multi- cytokeratin-specific antibody, the positive cells were detected by immunocytochemical staining with alkaline phosphatase substrate. Results: Analysis of CTC after chemotherapy: Circulating tumor cells were detected in 32 patients (54.23%). A mean number of cells were detected 3.7 (SD 13.9; range 1–105).The number of CTC was correlationed with progression free of disease (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In the univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis number cells were significantly associated with OS (p = 0.020) and PFS (p = 0.008). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, number cells admit borderline statically significance with PFS (p = 0.052) and OS (p = 0.071). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the persistence of CTC after the treatment predicts clinical outcome and therefore the detection of CTC in breast cancer patients might allow monitoring of chemotherapy response.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour of the kidney with luteinised ovarian stroma

We report a case of a 9-cm mixed epithelial and stromal tumour of the kidney in an obese 70-year-old woman with diabetes. The ovarian-type stroma had a spindle cell component that was positive for progesterone receptors and had the hitherto unreported presence of abundant foci of luteinised stromal cells with characteristic immunohistochemical positivity to alpha-inhibin, calretinin, aromatase and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors. We conclude that the stromal component is identical to ovarian cortical stroma. We believe that ovarian-type stroma occurs in extragenital tumours as a result of an epithelial-stromal interaction in an environment of hormonal hyperstimulation.

Fluctuating hydrodynamic modeling of fluids at the nanoscale

A good representation of mesoscopic fluids is required to combine with molecular simulations at larger length and time scales [De Fabritiis, Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 134501 (2006)]. However, accurate computational models of the hydrodynamics of nanoscale molecular assemblies are lacking, at least in part because of the stochastic character of the underlying fluctuating hydrodynamic equations. Here we derive a finite volume discretization of the compressible isothermal fluctuating hydrodynamic equations over a regular grid in the Eulerian reference system. We apply it to fluids such as argon at arbitrary densities and water under ambient conditions. To that end, molecular dynamics simulations are used to derive the required fluid properties. The equilibrium state of the model is shown to be thermodynamically consistent and correctly reproduces linear hydrodynamics including relaxation of sound and shear modes. We also consider nonequilibrium states involving diffusion and convection in cavities with no-slip boundary conditions.

Exploring the Use of Random Regression Models with Legendre Polynomials to Analyze Measures of Volume of Ejaculate in Holstein Bulls

Artificial insemination centers routinely collect records of quantity and quality of semen of bulls throughout the animals' productive period. The goal of this paper was to explore the use of random regression models with orthogonal polynomials to analyze repeated measures of semen production of Spanish Holstein bulls. A total of 8,773 records of volume of first ejaculate (VFE) collected between 12 and 30 mo of age from 213 Spanish Holstein bulls was analyzed under alternative random regression models. Legendre polynomial functions of increasing order (0 to 6) were fitted to the average trajectory, additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. Age at collection and days in production were used as time variables. Heterogeneous and homogeneous residual variances were alternatively assumed. Analyses were carried out within a Bayesian framework. The logarithm of the marginal density and the cross-validation predictive ability of the data were used as model comparison criteria. Based on both criteria, age at collection as a time variable and heterogeneous residuals models are recommended to analyze changes of VFE over time. Both criteria indicated that fitting random curves for genetic and permanent environmental components as well as for the average trajector improved the quality of models. Furthermore, models with a higher order polynomial for the permanent environmental (5 to 6) than for the genetic components (4 to 5) and the average trajectory (2 to 3) tended to perform best. High-order polynomials were needed to accommodate the highly oscillating nature of the phenotypic values. Heritability and repeatability estimates, disregarding the extremes of the studied period, ranged from 0.15 to 0.35 and from 0.20 to 0.50, respectively, indicating that selection for VFE may be effective at any stage. Small differences among models were observed. Apart from the extremes, estimated correlations between ages decreased steadily from 0.9 and 0.4 for measures 1 mo apart to 0.4 and 0.2 for most distant measures for additive genetic and phenotypic components, respectively. Further investigation to account for environmental factors that may be responsible for the oscillating observations of VFE is needed.

[Study of vascular risk in Navarre: objectives and design. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and of vascular risk factors]

BACKGROUND

To determine in a representative sample of the population the prevalence of risk factors and metabolic syndrome; their association with sub-clinical atherosclerotic lesions and their impact on cardiocerebrovascular disease 10 years after.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

(Phase 1) Cross sectional survey of a random sample stratified by age and sex of the population of Navarre aged between 35 and 84. Antecedents, risk factors, physical and analytical exploration. (Phase II) Ten year follow-up cohort study, in 500 exposed to MS and 500 not exposed persons, aged between 45 and 74 years; with an 82.25% power to detect a risk ratio of 2; with analytical and image markers of sub-clinical atherosclerosis. (Phase III) Follow up of vascular events at ten years.

RESULTS

The subjects recruited were 6,553; excluded or not found 871; the final sample was 5,682 (2,644 men and 3,038 women); 4,168 (73,4%) took part in the study. The prevalence of MS was 22.1% (95%CI 20.5 - 23.7) for men and 17,2% (95%CI 15.8 - 18.5) for women. The main cardiovascular RF were high compared to other geographical areas except for HDL cholesterol. The rate was 8.5% (95%CI 7.4 - 9.6) for men and 1.7% (95%CI 1.3 - 2.2)

CONCLUSIONS

There are important differences in risk between sex, being worst for men. The high figures for HDL cholesterol and the low prevalence of MS might mean a lower risk of vascular events in Navarra.

Genetic dissection of the role of p21Cip1/Waf1 in p53-mediated tumour suppression

Protein p21Cip1/Waf1 is transcriptionally activated by the tumour suppressor p53 and previous studies have shown that p21 plays a role in tumour suppression. However, the involvement of p21 in p53-mediated tumour suppression remains to be directly demonstrated in vivo. Tumour suppression mediated by p53 can be measured by comparing tumour susceptibility in animals carrying two (wild-type mice) or three (super-p53 mice) copies of the p53 gene. We have taken advantage of this genetically defined system to measure p53-mediated cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis and tumorigenesis, in a p21 wild-type and in a p21-null context. The absence of p21 significantly impaired the enhanced p53-mediated cell-cycle arrest characteristic of super-p53 cells, but did not affect the enhanced apoptosis. Importantly, in an experimental model of fibrosarcoma induction, the absence of p21 significantly decreased the tumour suppression benefit of super-p53 mice. We conclude that cell-cycle arrest through p21 plays a significant role in mediating p53-dependent cancer protection.

Normal cellular senescence and cancer susceptibility in mice genetically deficient in Ras-induced senescence-1 (Ris1)

Oncogenic Ras triggers a permanent cell-cycle arrest known as oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) that constitutes a relevant tumor suppressor mechanism. Ris1 (Ras-induced senescence-1) is a novel gene that was identified in a screen as specifically upregulated during Ras-induced senescence, and that is located at a chromosomal region, 3p21.3, frequently lost in human cancer. Moreover, Ris1 is highly conserved in vertebrates, does not present paralogs, and its sequence does not reveal similarities with other proteins or domains. To analyse the physiological function of Ris1 and test its putative role as a tumor suppressor gene, we have generated mutant mice deficient for this gene. Ris1-null mice are viable, fertile, develop normally and do not display any obvious abnormalities. Of relevance, Ris1-deficient mice had a normal lifespan and did not exhibit predisposition to spontaneous tumors or to tumors induced by chemical carcinogens. Finally, Ris1-deficient embryonic fibroblasts were indistinguishable from wild-type cells regarding their proliferation properties, immortalization, senescence and oncogenic transformation. These findings do not support a role of Ris1 in tumor suppression or in OIS.

Isolation, mapping and identification of SNPs for four genes (ACP6, CGN, ANXA9, SLC27A3) from a bovine QTL region on BTA3

On the basis of fine mapping of a quantitative trait loci region of BTA3 for milk fat content, an examination of the comparative map between cattle and human indicates that the annexin 9 protein gene (ANXA9) and the fatty acid transport protein type 3 gene (SLC27A3) are two strong candidate genes. The objective of the present study is to isolate, map and characterize these genes and identify polymorphisms that could be further utilized in linkage or association studies. Furthermore, two new genes which are in the same region, cingulin protein gene (CGN) and lysophosphatidic acid phosphatase protein gene (ACP6) were studied. DNA fragments (869, 1778, 1933 and 2618 bp) corresponding to partial sequences of ACP6,CGN,ANXA9 and SLC27A3 genes were isolated. Direct sequencing of PCR products amplified from different cattle breeds revealed 1, 4, 4 and 2 SNPs for ACP6, CGN,ANXA9 and SLC27A3, respectively. For ANXA9 one SNP was located in exon 5 (A-->G 951) resulting in an amino acid change from histidine to arginine. Finally, ACP6,CGN,ANXA9 and SLC27A3 genes were located on chromosome 3 between ILSTS096 and BMS819 markers, in a region in which quantitative trait loci (QTL) for several milk traits have been described.

Fine mapping of genes on sheep chromosome 1 and their association with milk traits

On the basis of comparative mapping between cattle/sheep and human for milk trait quantitative trait loci (QTL) on BTA3/OAR1, annexin A9 (ANXA9) and solute carrier family 27 (fatty acid transporter), member 3 (SLC27A3) were selected as candidate genes for fat content (FC) in sheep milk. Two other genes in the same region, cingulin (CGN) and acid phosphatase 6, lysophosphatidic (ACP6), were also considered. DNA fragments of 1931 and 2790 bp corresponding to ANXA9 and SLC27A3 respectively were isolated, and 14 and 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) respectively were found in each gene. ANXA9, SLC27A3, CGN and ACP6 were localized to chromosome 1 between INRA006 and AE57 by linkage mapping using the International Mapping Flock. Across-family analyses of a daughter design comprising 13 sire families revealed significant sire and SLC27A3 genotype-nested-within-sire effects for FC. Within-family analyses indicated significant regression coefficients for FC in four of six heterozygous sires. These results could reflect the existence of a QTL for FC linked to SLC27A3 in sheep.

A functional link between the tumour suppressors ARF and p33ING1

The ARF tumour suppressor protein plays a critical role in the activation of p53 in response to oncogenic stress. ARF can activate p53 through nucleolar sequestration of Mdm2. However, several lines of evidence indicate that this is not the only way of action of ARF, and alternative mechanisms must exist. p33ING1 is a putative tumour suppresor, which induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in a p53-dependent manner. Here, we describe that ARF and p33ING1 can interact in vivo. We also show that the subcellular localization of ING1 can be modulated by ARF protein levels, causing a displacement from nuclear to nucleolar localization. Finally, the ability of p33ING1 to cause cell-cycle arrest and induction of p21CIP1, or Mdm2, is impaired in ARF-deficient primary mouse fibroblasts. Based on these observations, we propose that the interaction with p33ING1 represents a novel mechanism for the tumour suppression function of ARF.

Fahr's syndrome presenting with pure and progressive presenile dementia

Fahr's syndrome involves calcification of basal ganglia and dentate nuclei of the cerebellum. Clinically it may present with an array of movement disorders, dementia and other behavioural disturbances. Sporadic and familial cases have been reported with or without calcium/phosphorus metabolism. A rare form of frontotemporal dementia with neurofibrillary tangles and Fahr-type calcifications (DNTC) has been observed mainly in Japan. We report the singular case of a 50-year-old woman with progressive dementia but neither extrapyramidal symptoms nor a metabolic disorder. Brain CT showed Fahr-type calcifications in the basal ganglia, cerebellum and centrum semiovale as well as temporal atrophy; MRI showed diffuse atrophy predominantly in parietotemporal regions. The clinical and radiological features of our patient point to this uncommon form of dementia.

Tumorigenic activity of p21Waf1/Cip1 in thymic lymphoma

The cell cycle inhibitor p21Waf1/Cip1 is among the most important mediators of the tumor suppressor p53. However, there is increasing evidence indicating that p21 could favor tumorigenesis in specific cell types. In particular, the absence of p21 delays the development of thymic lymphomas induced either by ataxia-telangiectasia mutated deficiency or by ionizing irradiation. Here, we extend these observations to the context of p53-deficient mice. The absence of p21 results in a significant extension of the lifespan of p53-null and p53-haploinsufficient mice, and this effect can be attributed exclusively to a decrease in the incidence of spontaneous thymic lymphomas. Specifically, despite the occurrence of a variety of tumor types in the context of p53 deficiency, the only tumors that were significantly impaired by the absence of p21 were thymic lymphomas. Moreover, the absence of p21 also delays the incidence of radiation-induced thymic lymphomas in p53-deficient mice. Interestingly, p21-deficient lymphomas have a higher apoptotic rate than p21-proficient lymphomas, and this could be on the basis of the delayed incidence of thymic lymphomas in the absence of p21. Together, our results indicate that p21 plays an oncogenic role restricted to thymic lymphomas that is mechanistically independent of p53 and associated to a lower tumor apoptotic rate.

Tunable laser operation of ytterbium in disordered single crystals of Yb:NaGd(WO4)2

Lasing of Yb3+ in a disordered single crystal host, NaGd(WO4)2, is reported. Pump efficiencies as high as 20% and slope efficiencies as high as 30% are achieved for both sigma- and pi-polarizations with Ti:sapphire laser pumping. The emission of Yb:NaGd(WO4)2 is centered near 1030 nm. Tunability between 1016 and 1049 nm is obtained with a Lyot filter.

Ovine alpha-amylase genes: isolation, linkage mapping and association analysis with milk traits

On the basis of comparisons between cattle and sheep genome mapping information the ovine alpha-amylase gene was examined as a possible genetic marker for milk traits in sheep. The objective of the present study was to isolate, map and determine whether this gene is a candidate gene for milk traits. DNA fragments (832 and 2360 bp) corresponding to two different AMY genes were isolated, and one SNP in intron 3 and one GTG deletion in exon 3 of the 2360 bp DNA fragment were found. The 2360 bp ovine AMY DNA fragment was located on chromosome 1 by linkage mapping using the International Mapping Flock. No association was found between estimated breeding values for milk yield, protein and fat contents and AMY genotypes in a daughter design comprising 13 Manchega families with an average of 29 daughters (12-62) per sire.