Phenotypic plasticity and morphological integration in a marine modular invertebrate

BACKGROUND

Colonial invertebrates such as corals exhibit nested levels of modularity, imposing a challenge to the depiction of their morphological evolution. Comparisons among diverse Caribbean gorgonian corals suggest decoupling of evolution at the polyp vs. branch/internode levels. Thus, evolutionary change in polyp form or size (the colonial module sensu stricto) does not imply a change in colony form (constructed of modular branches and other emergent features). This study examined the patterns of morphological integration at the intraspecific level. Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata (Verrill) (Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae) is a Caribbean shallow water gorgonian that can colonize most reef habitats (shallow/exposed vs. deep/protected; 1-45 m) and shows great morphological variation.

RESULTS

To characterize the genotype/environment relationship and phenotypic plasticity in P. bipinnata, two microsatellite loci, mitochondrial (MSH1) and nuclear (ITS) DNA sequences, and (ITS2) DGGE banding patterns were initially compared among the populations present in the coral reefs of Belize (Carrie Bow Cay), Panama (Bocas del Toro), Colombia (Cartagena) and the Bahamas (San Salvador). Despite the large and discrete differentiation of morphotypes, there was no concordant genetic variation (DGGE banding patterns) in the ITS2 genotypes from Belize, Panama and Colombia. ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 phylogenetic analysis afforded evidence for considering the species P. kallos (Bielschowsky) as the shallow-most morphotype of P. bipinnata from exposed environments. The population from Carrie Bow Cay, Belize (1-45 m) was examined to determine the phenotypic integration of modular features such as branch thickness, polyp aperture, inter-polyp distance, internode length and branch length. Third-order partial correlation coefficients suggested significant integration between polypar and colonial traits. Some features did not change at all despite 10-fold differences in other integrated features. More importantly, some colonial features showed dependence on modular features.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, module integration in gorgonian corals can be shifted, switched or canalized along lineages. Modular marine organisms such as corals are variations on a single theme: their modules can couple or decouple, allowing them to adapt to all marine benthic environments.

Phylogenetic hypotheses of gorgoniid octocorals according to ITS2 and their predicted RNA secondary structures

Gorgoniid octocorals taxonomy (Cnidaria; Octocorallia; Gorgoniidae) includes diagnostic characters not well defined at the generic level, and based on the family diagnosis some species could be classified in either Gorgoniidae or Plexauridae. In this study, we used sequences from the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and their predicted RNA secondary structure to both correct the alignment and reconstruct phylogenies using molecular morphometrics for 24 octocorals mostly from the Atlantic. ITS2 exhibited the six-helicoidal ring-model structure found in eukaryotes, and provided 38 parsimony-informative characters. The proposed phylogenies, though differing between sequence- and structure-base results, provided consistent support for several clades. Genera considered part of the polyphyletic genus Leptogorgia, such as Filigorgia, were distantly related to the former in all phylogenetic hypotheses. Main differences among the hypotheses consisted in the placement of Muriceopsis (previously considered from the Plexauridae family) and Filigorgia. Excluding Muriceopsis and an undescribed octocoral from Tobago, Plexaurella and Pterogorgia grouped together as a sister branch of Pinnigorgia spp. but long-branch attraction was evident for the grouping of Plexaurella nutans (another plexaurid) and Pterogorgia citrina. Unexpected results were the divergence between Caribbean genera, Gorgonia and Pseudopterogorgia, which were placed basal respect to Pacifigorgia and Leptogorgia (=Lophogorgia). ITS2 provided support to corroborate observations based on sclerite morphology: species with "capstan sclerites" (e.g., Pacifigorgia and Leptogorgia) were characterized by a long helix IV with one internal loop and a helix V with four internal loops; "scaphoid sclerites" had a predominantly long helix V if compared to helix IV; "asymmetric spiny sclerites" (Muriceopsis, Pinnigorgia and the undescribed octocoral) exhibited one or two lateral bulges in the V helix. Remarkably, Muriceopsis and Pinnigorgia were supported by a complete Compensatory Base Change (CBC) (A-U to G-C) in helix V. Filigorgia with simple "spindles" had a short helix IV and a large central ring. DNA sequences from the nuclear ITS2 region, including information from predicted RNA secondary structure, despite their reduced length, provided numerous characters and phylogenetic information among Gorgoniidae genera and species.

Tritium activity levels in environmental water samples from different origins

Tritium activity was determined in environmental waters from different areas of Catalonia, using a distillation procedure before liquid scintillation counting. The developed method was validated by analysing two samples from proficiency tests. In most of water samples (from rivers, rain, mineral bottled waters and tap waters) analysed, the activity values were lower or close to the minimum detectable activity (MDA) for our method which has a value of 0.6 Bq/l. However, the Ebro river samples had a mean activity around 3.6 +/- 0.6 Bq/l. The nuclear power station of Ascó, which is located on the banks of this river, can be a source of tritium production and introduction into the environment, so a more exhaustive study of these waters was carried out. Tritium activities in this river were a long way above the normative limit in Spain for waters intended for human consumption, which is 100 Bq/l.

Soluble phosphorylated fms-like tyrosine kinase III. FLT3 protein in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

FLT3 ligand (FL) has a significant role in the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. Mutations in the FLT3 receptor gene have been reported in 30% of patients with AML. We investigated whether abnormal phosphorylation of FLT3 may be more common in AML. We evaluated FLT3 protein and its phosphorylation in the plasma from 85 patients with AML, 16 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and 5 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). There were no significant differences in the level of plasma FLT3 protein level in the different diseases (p=0.57). AML patients had a significantly higher level of phospho-FLT3:FLT3 ratio (p=0.02). FLT3-ITD and FLT3 point mutations were present in 27 (32%) of the AML patients. Phosphorylated FLT3 was significantly higher in the plasma from patients with FLT3 mutation (p=0.002). Overall, there was no correlation between survival and the plasma level of FLT3 protein or its phosphorylated form. However, amongst the patients without FLT3 mutations, those with a higher level of phosphorylated FLT3 had a significantly shorter duration of remission (p=0.04). Other mechanisms may be responsible for abnormal phosphorylation of FLT3 and inhibitors of FLT3 should also be investigated in patients without mutations.

Caspase-3 and caspase-6 in ductal breast carcinoma: a descriptive study

Caspases are the main point in the apoptotic process. We have collected some information from 210 cases of Ductal breast cancer (pT1 - pT2) such as tumour size, histological differentiation degree, lymph node status and tumor necrosis in the infiltrating component and we have evaluated the number of apoptotic cells or bodies by TUNEL technique as well as immunohistochemical studies to evaluate the expression of caspase 3 and caspase 6, and proliferation index. Our results show that lymph node status and cell atypism are independent prognostic factors for recurrence and mortality and only tumour size is an independent prognostic factor for recurrence. However, the apoptotic index and the immunohistochemical expression of caspases and cell proliferation index have not turned out to be independent prognostic factors neither for recurrence nor mortality. These results show that classic prognostic factors known until now are the most important factors to predict the evolution of the illness.

Residues from veterinary medicinal products, growth promoters and performance enhancers in food-producing animals: a European Union perspective

The authors present an overview of the presence of residues from veterinary medicinal products, growth-promoting agents and performance enhancers in food-producing animals, as a result of administering these substances--legally or illegally--on farms. The current situation in the European Union (EU) is represented by an analysis of the 2004 results from the national residue monitoring plans of EU Member States. Aspects of ante-mortem and postmortem inspection are also considered, as well as the practical challenges facing veterinary inspectors attempting to uncover illegal uses and prevent public health risks. Substances which are considered illegal because their risks have not yet been assessed, such as those employed in minority species or for minor uses, are also discussed.

Polyurethane II catheter as long-indwelling intravenous catheter in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Silicone has been the standard material for indwelling devices to date. Polyurethane II exhibits properties that makes it suitable as a component of long-indwelling vascular access, with the added advantage of low cost.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the experience of an intravenous therapy team with 206 polyurethane II catheters used as long-indwelling vascular access in patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All polyurethane II single- and double-lumen catheters implanted between January 1, 1994, and March 15, 1995, were analyzed, including time of stay and type and rate of infectious and noninfectious complications.

RESULTS

A total of 206 catheters were placed--164 single-lumen and 42 double-lumen catheters--in 190 patients; average stay was 101 days (range, 1-445 days). The infection incidence rate was 0.66 per 1000 catheter-days for single-lumen catheters and 1.6 per 1000 catheter-days for double-lumen catheters. Noninfectious complications included 1 thrombosis (incidence rate, 0.06 per 1000 catheter-days for single-lumen and none for double-lumen catheters), 5 catheter ruptures (2.4%), and 1 pneumothorax (0.48%). Twelve catheters (8.3%) were removed because of complications; only 1 was infectious. The remaining 17 infectious episodes (94.4%) were resolved without catheter removal. Our complication rate with single-lumen catheters in this series was similar to our previous experience with a nontunneled silicone catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that polyurethane II catheters have proven useful and safe as long-indwelling vascular access in patients with cancer at our hospital at a considerably lower cost.

Antibiotics for acute maxillary sinusitis

BACKGROUND

For adults seeking care in ambulatory medical practices, sinusitis is the most common diagnosis treated with antibiotics.

OBJECTIVES

We examined whether antibiotics are indicated for acute sinusitis, and if so, which antibiotic classes are most effective.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Relevant studies were identified from searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE in December 2001, contacts with pharmaceutical companies and bibliographies of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized trials were eligible that compared antibiotic to control or antibiotics from different classes, for acute maxillary sinusitis. Additional criteria for inclusion were diagnostic confirmation by radiograph or sinus aspiration, outcomes that included clinical cure or improvement, and a sample size of 30 or more adults. Of 2058 potentially relevant studies, two or more reviewers identified 49 studies meeting selection criteria.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted independently by two persons and synthesized descriptively. Some data were analyzed quantitatively using a random effects model. Primary outcomes were: a) clinical cure, and b) clinical cure or improvement. Secondary outcomes were radiographic improvement, relapse rates, and dropouts due to adverse effects.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-nine trials, involving 13,660 participants, evaluated antibiotic treatment for acute maxillary sinusitis. Major comparisons were antibiotic versus control (n of 5); newer, non-penicillin antibiotic versus penicillin class (n of 10); and amoxicillin-clavulanate versus other extended spectrum antibiotics (n of 17), where n is the number of trials. Most trials were conducted in otolaryngology settings. Only 8 trials described adequate allocation and concealment procedures; 20 were double-blind. Compared to control, penicillin improved clinical cures [relative risk (RR) 1.72; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.96]. Treatment with amoxicillin did not significantly improve cure rates (RR 2.06; 95% CI 0.65 to 6.53) but there was significant variability between studies. Radiographic outcomes were improved by antibiotic treatment. Comparisons between classes of antibiotics showed no significant differences: newer non-penicillins versus penicillins (RR for cure 1.07; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.17); newer non-penicillins versus amoxicillin-clavulanate (RR for cure 1.03; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.11). Compared to amoxicillin-clavulanate, dropouts due to adverse effects were significantly lower for cephalosporin antibiotics (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.73). Relapse rates within one month of successful therapy were 7.7%.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

For acute maxillary sinusitis confirmed radiographically or by aspiration, current evidence is limited but supports the use of penicillin or amoxicillin for 7 to 14 days. Clinicians should weigh the moderate benefits of antibiotic treatment against the potential for adverse effects.

Value of magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis and follow-up of haemophilic arthropathy

An orthopaedic assessment of the joint status of seven severe haemophiliacs (mean age 12.5 y - range 8.9-15.5) on prophylactic treatment (PT) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and physical examination was carried out. Median duration of PT of these patients was 84 months (range 32-107). A locally designed MRI joint score considering seven parameters (1 - joint effusion, 2 - synovial membrane thickening, 3 - haemosiderin deposits, 4 - joint cartilage injury, 5 - subchondral bone erosion, 6 - subchondral bone cysts, 7 - osteonecrosis) was used (maximum score = 13 points). MRI scans were performed in 17 joints (nine ankles, seven knees and one elbow): mean MRI scores for the affected joints was 5.1. A poor consistency between physical examination and MRI findings or the real extent of joint damage was found (Cohen kappa index 0.320). MRI is a precise non-invasive tool for the assessment of early joint cartilage and synovium pathological changes still undetectable by physical examination or conventional X-rays in the haemophilic setting.

Upper lip fistulas: three new cases

OBJECTIVE

We present three new cases of congenital upper lip fistula. Two of them were located in the philtrum midline, one of which was associated to a double maxillary frenulum, a medial lip cleft, and a medial cleft of the primitive palate. The other was located in the left side of the vermilion. All three patients had clear fluid discharge through the fistulous orifice without pain. Two of them had a history of recurrent swelling of the philtrum area.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple surgical excision is the treatment of choice in these cases, in which the anatomy is preserved; this fact is more consistent with a completed but aberrant development than with focal dysgenesis.

A siderophore peptide synthetase gene from plant-growth-promoting Pseudomonas putida WCS358

Under iron limiting conditions, Pseudomonas putida WCS358 produces and secretes a fluorescent siderophore called pseudobactin 358 which consists of a nonapeptide linked to a fluorescent dihydroxy quinoline moiety. Previous studies have identified a major gene cluster involved in pseudobactin 358 biosynthesis and several regulators responsible for the activation of biosynthetic genes under iron starving conditions. In this study, we identified the promoter transcribing the pseudobactin 358 synthetase gene. Promoter deletion experiments have demonstrated that the DNA region downstream of the initiation of transcription site is necessary for proper promoter functioning. This promoter controls the expression of a gene designated ppsD which encodes a 2,247-residue protein, PpsD, which has a predicted molecular weight of 247,610 Da and contains two highly homologous domains of approximately 1000 amino acids each. ppsD::Tn5 mutants of strain WCS358 are unable to synthesise pseudobactin 358 and can be complemented when ppsD is provided in trans. It is concluded that ppsD is a peptide synthetase involved in the biosynthesis of the peptide moiety of pseudobactin 358. PpsD displays a very high degree of similarity (52% aa identity) with PvdD from P. aeruginosa, a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase involved in the biosynthesis of pyoverdine, the fluorescent siderophore produced by P. aeruginosa. It also displayed homology with other peptide synthetases from other micro-organisms involved in the biosynthesis of siderophores and peptide antibiotics.

Successful outcome of a cirrhotic patient with postoperative haematuria treated with a single high dose of recombinant factor VIIa

Recombinant factor VIIa (rfVIIa) has been widely used for the treatment and prevention of bleeding episodes in haemophiliacs with high-titre inhibitors. High single doses are the treatment of choice for joint and muscle bleeds in those patients. There are only a few reports on the value of rfVIIa in cirrhotic patients with haemostatic impairment but this drug can consistently correct the prothrombin time in these individuals. We report a case of a good response to a single high dose of rfVIIa in a patient with advanced liver disease who suffered from severe refractory postoperative haematuria.