Host-dependent differences during synergistic infection by Potyviruses with potato virus X

SUMMARY A comparative analysis of the synergistic interaction between PVX and either PVY or TEV potyviruses was performed in Nicotiana benthamiana and N. tabacum plants. In each PVX/potyvirus combination, doubly infected plants developed much more severe symptoms than singly infected ones. However, while PVX accumulation increased in doubly infected N. tabacum plants compared with singly infected plants, the accumulation of PVX did not vary drastically in doubly infected N. benthamiana plants with respect to single infected ones. These findings suggest that the relationship between viral titre enhancement and synergism in PVX/potyvirus infections is host dependent. Since PVX and potyviruses contain suppressors of a plant antiviral defence system mediated by gene silencing, differences observed in the response of these two related hosts to PVX/potyvirus interactions might reflect the effect of these viruses on host specific antiviral defences.

Identification of QTLs conferring resistance to downy mildews of maize in Asia

Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases of maize in subtropical and tropical regions in Asia. As a prerequisite for improving downy mildew resistance in maize, we analyzed quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in resistance to the important downy mildew pathogens--Peronosclerospora sorghi (sorghum downy mildew) and P. heteropogoni (Rajasthan downy mildew) in India, P. maydis (Java downy mildew) in Indonesia, P. zeae in Thailand and P. philippinensis in the Philippines--using a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between Ki3 (downy mildew resistant) and CML139 (susceptible). Resistance was evaluated as percentage disease incidence in replicated field trials at five downy mildew 'hotspots' in the four countries. Heritability estimates of individual environments ranged from 0.58 to 0.75 with an across environment heritability of 0.50. Composite interval mapping was applied for QTL detection using a previously constructed restriction fragment length polymorphism linkage map. The investigation resulted in the identification of six genomic regions on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 7 and 10 involved in the resistance to the downy mildews under study, explaining, in total, 26-57% of the phenotypic variance for disease response. Most QTL alleles conferring resistance to the downy mildews were from Ki3. All QTLs showed significant QTL x environment interactions, suggesting that the expression of the QTL may be environment-dependent. A strong QTL on chromosome 6 was stable across environments, significantly affecting disease resistance at the five locations in four Asian countries. Simple-sequence repeat markers tightly linked to this QTL were identified for potential use in marker-assisted selection.

Four-year water degradation of total-etch adhesives bonded to dentin

Resin-dentin bonds degrade over time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of variables like hybridization effectiveness and diffusion/elution of interface components on degradation. Hypotheses tested were: (1) There is no difference in degradation over time between two- and three-step total-etch adhesives; and (2) a composite-enamel bond protects the adjacent composite-dentin bond against degradation. The micro-tensile bond strength (microTBS) to dentin of 2 three-step total-etch adhesives was compared with that of 2 two-step total-etch adhesives after 4 years of storage in water. Quantitative and qualitative failure analyses were conducted correlating Fe-SEM and TEM. Indirect exposure to water did not significantly reduce the microTBS of any adhesive, while direct exposure resulted in a significantly reduced microTBS of both two-step adhesives. It is concluded that resin bonded to enamel protected the resin-dentin bond against degradation, while direct exposure to water for 4 years affected bonds produced by two-step total-etch adhesives.

Transient expression of homologous hairpin RNA causes interference with plant virus infection and is overcome by a virus encoded suppressor of gene silencing

Specific post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of target genes can be induced in a variety of organisms by providing homologous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules. In plants, PTGS is part of a defense mechanism against virus infection. We have previously shown and patented that direct delivery to nontransgenic plants of dsRNA derived from viral sequences specifically interfere with virus infection. Here, we show that transient expression of constructs encoding hairpin RNA homologous to a rapidly replicating plant tobamovirus also interferes with virus multiplication in a sequence-dependent manner. A three-day lag period between delivery of hairpin RNA and virus into the same tissues completely block virus infectivity. Several hallmarks characteristic of PTGS were associated with viral interference mediated by hairpin RNA: high level of sequence identity between the hairpin RNA and the target RNA, presence of siRNAs in extracts derived from leaves infiltrated with hairpin RNA, and helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) of potyviruses, a suppressor of PTGS, overcame interference. No evidence for a mobile silencing suppression signal induced by transient expression of HC-Pro was observed. The approach described here has the potential to be used as a versatile tool for studying the onset of PTGS in cases involving virus infection, in opposition to dsRNA-transgenic plants, which allow primarily for the study of PTGS maintenance.

Identification of quantitative trait loci for cold-tolerance of photosynthesis in maize (Zea mays L.)

The effects of low growth temperature (15 degrees C) on the photosynthetic apparatus of maize were investigated in a set of 233 recombinant inbred lines by means of chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange measurements and analysis of photosynthetic pigments. A quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of five traits related to the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus revealed a total of eight genomic regions that were significantly involved in the expression of the target traits. Four of these QTLs, located on chromosomes 1 (around 146 cM), 2 (around 138 cM), 3 (around 70 cM), and 9 (around 62 cM), were identified across several traits and the phenotypic correlation observed among those traits confirmed at the genetic level. The two QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 9 were also expressed in leaves developed at near-optimal temperature (25 degrees C) whilst the two QTLs on chromosomes 2 and 3 were specific to leaves developed at sub-optimal temperature. A QTL analysis conducted on traits related to the pigment composition of the leaves developed at 15 degrees C detected the QTL on chromosome 3 around 70 cM in 7 of the 11 traits analysed. This QTL accounted for up to 28% of the phenotypic variance of the quantum yield of electron transport at PSII in the fourth leaf after about 3 weeks at a sub-optimal temperature. The results presented here suggest that key gene(s) involved in the development of functional chloroplasts of maize at low temperature should be located on chromosome 3, close to the centromere.

Ventilatory and cardiovascular responses to hypoxia and exercise in Andean natives living at sea level

This study was designed to determine in subjects born at high altitude who move to sea level (HA-SL: born at 3500 m or above; n = 25) whether their cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia and exercise are similar to those of sea level natives (SL,n = 25). The average age (39 +/- 7.3 yr), weight (72 +/- 7.3 kg), and height (1.71 +/- 0.01 m) did not differ between the SL and HA-SL subjects. All subjects were studied at rest or during exercise (60 W on cycle ergometer) while breathing room air (F(IO2) = 0.21 and P(B) = 760) or hypoxia (F(IO2) = 0.115 and PB = 760) in the following order: (1) normoxia at rest (NX-Rs), (2) hypoxia at rest (HX-Rs, 11.5% O(2)), hypoxia at exercise (HX-Ex), and normoxia at exercise (NX-Ex). Each period lasted 5 min. In absolute values, HA-SL showed significantly higher ventilation (V(E), L/min) during exercise in both normoxia and hypoxia and higher oxygen saturation (Sa(O2), %) during hypoxia both at rest and in exercise. They also had lower end-tidal CO(2) values (P(ETCO2), torr) at rest in both normoxia and hypoxia, but a higher P(ETCO2) in hypoxic exercise. Heart rate (HR, beats/min) was lower at rest in both normoxia and hypoxia, but higher in exercise. With acute hypoxia, Sa(O2) decreased less in the HA-SL than in the SL at rest (HA-SL, 9.2 +/- 0.8; SL, 12.0 +/- 0.82) and during exercise (HA-SL, 18.3 +/- 1.1; SL, 21.2 +/- 1.2). In conclusion, this study shows that HA-SL natives have increased ventilation and heart rate during exercise once their lifelong hypoxia is relieved.

[Red tide bloom produced by Lingulodinium polyedrum (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) in Bahía Culebra, Papagayo Gulf, Costa Rica]

This is the first record of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum in a red tide bloom in the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The sample was collected on April 2000 at Culebra Bay, Gulf of Papagayo, from a patch of aproximatly 2000 m2, which produced a red discoloration of the water and a peculiar strong odor. This species produces spherical hypnocysts that may remain for decades when dark or anoxic conditions are present; L. polyedrum had been associated with the production of paralyzing toxins such as saxitoxins and yessotoxins. A second smaller patch was observed close Panama beach, into the bay, where we found seven puffer fish (Diodontidae) and two lobsters dead in the sand. It is important to develop a monitoring program to identify seasonal behavior of this species and ameliorate its impact on coastal human communities.

System y+L-like activities account for high and low amino-acid transport phenotypes in chicken erythrocytes

The functional properties of the transport of lysine across the chicken erythrocyte membrane were investigated. The animal population studied (male Leghorn chickens, 6-14 weeks old) was found to consist of two groups presenting either low (LT, 19 individuals) or high transport rates (HT, 20 individuals). The rates of influx in the two groups, measured at a concentration of l-lysine of 1 microm, differed by a factor of 34. The transport activities observed in LT and HT erythrocytes were compatible with the general features of system y+L, but showed some differences in specificity. The transporter in the LT group was found to bind l-lysine, l-leucine, l-methionine and l-glutamine with high affinity, in the presence of sodium, as described for system y+L in human erythrocytes. The activity present in HT erythrocytes exhibited a much lower affinity for l-leucine, but was able to interact strongly with l-glutamine and l-methionine. The specificity pattern of the HT transporter, has not been described in other cell types. In other respects, the properties of the two systems were similar. Sodium replacement with potassium, drastically reduced the affinity for l-leucine, without affecting lysine transport. Both transporters function as tightly coupled exchangers, are inactivated by p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate and resistant to N-ethylmaleimide. These findings explain previous results obtained in selective breeding experiments of chicken with high and low amino-acid transport activity.

Circadian patterns in men acclimatized to intermittent hypoxia

Six men, normally working shifts of 7 days at high altitude (HA, 3800 m, approximately 480 mm Hg barometric pressure) followed by 7 days of rest at sea level (SL), were studied during the last days of their HA and SL shifts with a 24-h constant routine protocol of sustained wakefulness and minimal activity. The amplitude of the circadian oscillations of oxygen consumption, breathing rate, thoracic skin temperature and diastolic pressure did not differ between HA and SL. At HA, the amplitude of the tympanic and calf temperature oscillations, were, respectively, lower and higher than at SL. End-tidal P(CO2) and systolic pressure had larger amplitude oscillations at HA than at SL. Hence, also in humans, as previously shown in animals, hypoxia can affect some circadian patterns, including those involved in thermoregulation. These effects of hypoxia could contribute to sleep disturbances at HA and in patients with cardiorespiratory diseases.

Trypanocidal activity of dicationic compounds related to pentamidine

Eight dicationic compounds related to pentamidine were studied for trypanocidal activity in seven trypanosome isolates. In vitro studies revealed that diamidines are more potent than diimidazolines. For example, 2 (a diamidine) and 4 (a diimidazoline) inhibited the growth of KETRI 243 with IC50 values of 2.3 and 900 nM, respectively. Introduction of polar groups into the linker decreased the effectiveness of the compounds against drug-resistant trypanosomes. In compounds with a 2-butene linker between the cationic groups, trans-isomers were more potent than cis-isomers. The cis- and trans-buteneamidines cured infection caused by Trypanosoma brucei brucei (EATRO Lab 110) and protected mice against infection by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense isolates, some of which are resistant to diamidines and melarsoprol.

Homology-driven assembly of a sequence-ready mouse BAC contig map spanning regions related to the 46-Mb gene-rich euchromatic segments of human chromosome 19

Draft sequence derived from the 46-Mb gene-rich euchromatic portion of human chromosome 19 (HSA19) was utilized to generate a sequence-ready physical map spanning homologous regions of mouse chromosomes. Sequence similarity searches with the human sequence identified more than 1000 individual orthologous mouse genes from which 382 overgo probes were developed for hybridization. Using human gene order and spacing as a model, these probes were used to isolate and assemble bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone contigs spanning homologous mouse regions. Each contig was verified, extended, and joined to neighboring contigs by restriction enzyme fingerprinting analysis. Approximately 3000 mouse BACs were analyzed and assembled into 44 contigs with a combined length of 41.4 Mb. These BAC contigs, covering 90% of HSA19-related mouse DNA, are distributed throughout 15 homology segments derived from different regions of mouse chromosomes 7, 8, 9, 10, and 17. The alignment of the HSA19 map with the ordered mouse BAC contigs revealed a number of structural differences in several overtly conserved homologous regions and more precisely defined the borders of the known regions of HSA19-syntenic homology. Our results demonstrate that given a human draft sequence, BAC contig maps can be constructed quickly for comparative sequencing without the need for preestablished mouse-specific genetic or physical markers and indicate that similar strategies can be applied with equal success to genomes of other vertebrate species.

Electrophysiological characterization of murine myocardial ischemia and infarction

BACKGROUND

Genetically altered mice will provide important insights into a wide variety of processes in cardiovascular physiology underlying myocardial infarction (MI). Comprehensive and accurate analyses of cardiac function in murine models require implementation of the most appropriate techniques and experimental protocols.

OBJECTIVE

In this study we present in vivo, whole-animal techniques and experimental protocols for detailed electrophysiological characterization in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia and infarction.

METHODS

FVB mice underwent open-chest surgery for ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery or sham-operation. By means of echocardiographic imaging, electrocardiography, intracardiac electrophysiology study, and conscious telemetric ECG recording for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, we evaluated ischemic and post-infarct cardiovascular morphology and function in mice.

RESULTS

Coronary artery ligation resulted in antero-apical infarction of the left ventricular wall. MI mice showed decreased cardiac function by echocardiography, infarct-typical pattern on ECG, and increased arrhythmia vulnerability during electrophysiological study. Electrophysiological properties were determined comprehensively, but were not altered significantly as a consequence of MI. Autonomic nervous system function, measured by indices of HRV, did not appear altered in mice during ischemia or infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac conduction, refractoriness, and heart rate variability appear to remain preserved in a murine model of myocardial ischemia and infarction. Myocardial infarction may increase vulnerability to inducible ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, similarly to EPS findings in humans. These data may be of value as a reference for comparison with mutant murine models necessitating ischemia or scar to elicit an identifiable phenotype. The limitations of directly extrapolating murine cardiac electrophysiology data to conditions in humans need to be considered.

[Acute mountain sickness at 3500 and 4250 m. A study of symptom, incidence and severity]

BACKGROUND

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) refers to signs and symptoms associated with hypobaric hypoxia. Its reported incidence is highly variable.

AIM

To determine the incidence of AMS symptoms and severity at 3,500 and 4,250 m above sea level.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A population of 362 soldiers without former exposure to altitude was studied. AMS symptoms, were assessed by an extensively used standard questionnaire (Lake Louise), applied 36-72 hours after exposure to high altitude.

RESULTS

A group of 200 recruits ascended to Putre (3,500 m) and a second group (162) ascended to Alto Pacollo (4,250 m). The incidence of AMS was 28% and 60% respectively (p < 0.05). Headaches and sleeping difficulties were the most frequent symptoms at both altitudes. Furthermore, severe digestive problems and dizziness were described in a high proportion of individuals at both 3,500 and 4,250 m.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of AMS in this study is similar to that reported elsewhere at equivalent altitudes.

Liposome-mediated DNA uptake and transient expression in Thermotoga

We report here the successful application of a PCR-based method to detect genetic transformation of Thermotoga neapolitana and Thermotoga maritima. Plasmid vectors were constructed using pRQ7, an 846-bp plasmid found in Thermotoga species strain RQ7, which replicates by a rolling circle mechanism. The vector pJY1 was constructed by placing a gene encoding a thermostable chloramphenicol acetyltransferase from Stacphylococcus aureus under the control of the tac promoter and joining this with pRQ7 in a pBluescript vector. A second vector, pJY2, was similarly constructed using a gene encoding a kanamycin nucleotidyltransferase previously engineered for thermostability. Genetic transformation of T. neapolitana and T. maritima spheroplasts was achieved using cationic liposomes. The transforming DNA was detected in cells grown in liquid cultures using polymerase chain reaction amplification of the cat or kan genes. T. neapolitana could maintain pJY1 for at least 25 generations in liquid medium containing chloramphenicol. The pJY2 vector conferred kanamycin resistance to T. maritima cells grown in liquid culture. Isolation of stable transformants on solid media after 2-3 days of incubation at 77 degrees C was not possible with either vector, probably because of the instability of both vectors and antibiotics under these conditions. However, this transformation procedure provides, for the first time, a method to introduce DNA into this hyperthermophilic bacterium for potential applications such as targeted gene disruption analyses.

Enteroaggregative escherichia coli virulence factors in traveler's diarrhea strains

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is associated with diarrhea in Spanish travelers to developing countries. In this study, the polymerase chain reaction was used to test EAEC isolates for genes encoding putative virulence factors, including EAEC adhesins, the plasmid-encoded toxin (Pet), a heat-stable enterotoxin (EAST), and Shigella enterotoxins 1 and 2 (ShET1 and ShET2). Findings included a low prevalence of genes for Pet (4.3%), ShET2 (4.3%), and the adherence factor AAF/II (8.7%). The overlapping genes encoding the ShET1 and the Pic mucinase were present in most EAEC strains tested (56.5%); however, some strains that carried this locus did not produce both proteins, as determined by Western immunoblot. Surprisingly, ShET1 and ShET2 genes were also found in other E. coli pathotypes, as was the EAST toxin locus. These findings underscore the heterogeneity of EAEC strains and suggest that the ShET1 may be an important virulence factor in traveler's diarrhea.

Diarrhea in children under 5 years of age from Ifakara, Tanzania: a case-control study

A matched case-control study was conducted in the Maternal and Child Health Clinic (MCH) in Ifakara, Tanzania, during the rainy season in order to elucidate the risk factors for and etiology of diarrheal diseases in children under 5 years of age. Cases (103) and controls (206) were matched for sex and age group. Precoded questionnaires with demographic details, clinical history, and physical signs were completed. Stools samples were collected for bacterial, parasitological, and viral studies. A high number of siblings (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; P = 0.027), the number of siblings surviving (OR, 0.82; P = 0.007), the birth order (OR, 0.85; P = 0.018) and the distance from the house to the water source (OR, 0.33; P = 0.011) were associated with the risk of diarrhea. There were high rates of enteropathogen isolates in stool samples from children without diarrhea (52.23%). Shigella species were the only enteropathogen statistically related with diarrhea (OR, 2.90; P < 0.029). Enterotoxigenic, enteropathogenic, and enteroaggregative strains of Escherichia coli were not related with diarrhea, and neither were Giardia lamblia or Salmonella species.

Microscopy investigations. Techniques, results, limitations

This paper critically reviews current microscopy techniques that are used to image resin-dentin interfaces and more in particular to investigate the process of hybridization and resin-tag formation. A short description of the four most commonly used microscopy techniques with their necessary specimen-preparation methodology is provided along with a discussion of their possibilities, limitations and potential artifact formation. With this critical appraisal on microscopy techniques available to study adhesive interfaces, it is hoped to encourage the use of high-resolution analytical tools to further elucidate the mechanisms of bonding at the ultra-structural level. Besides ultra-morphologic characterization, more research should be devoted to study the chemical and physical properties of resin-dentin bonds. The final objective of such fundamental research should be to establish a more durable and reliable adhesive restorative technique.

Focused ion beam in dental research

Focused ion beam (FIB) has been available for over 10 yrs but until recently its usage has been confined to the semiconductor industry. It has been developed as an important tool in defect analysis, circuit modification and recently transmission electron microscope sample preparation. This paper introduces FIB and demonstrates its application in dental research. Its ion and electron imaging modes complement the SEM while its ability to prepare TEM samples from a wide range of material will allow the study of new types of adhesive interface. As an example, its use is described in the characterization of the interface of resin to a tribochemically treated surface of an experimental fiber-reinforced resin-based composite. As with all new techniques, the initial learning curve was difficult to manage. This new instrument offers opportunities to expand research in dental materials to areas not possible before.

Neurological manifestations in chronic mountain sickness: the burning feet-burning hands syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the clinical features and nerve biopsy findings in patients with chronic mountain sickness (CMS) living in the Peruvian Andes, with particular attention to the occurrence of the "burning feet-burning hands" syndrome.

METHODS

Symptoms and signs were documented clinically in 10 patients with CMS and compared with those in five healthy subjects all living at 4338 metres altitude. Sural nerve biopsies were obtained from three patients with CMS. The nerve fibre population and endoneurial microvessels were analyzed morphometrically.

RESULTS

All patients with CMS experienced burning and tingling paraesthesiae in the distal parts of their limbs. Similar but milder symptoms confined to the feet occurred in four of five controls. Three patients with CMS had a mild sensory neuropathy on examination, controls were clinically normal. Nerve biopsies showed a mild demyelinating neuropathy in all three with a reduction in the unmyelinated axon population in one. The endoneurial blood vessels showed a reduced thickness in the basal laminal zone compared with control values but were otherwise normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from well recognised symptoms and signs of CMS, the study has shown that such patients may also exhibit a mild sensory neuropathy. Its relation to the burning feet-burning hands syndrome, which was not confined to the patients but was also found in controls at altitude, is uncertain. The time course and pattern of the centrifugal resolution of the burning paraesthesiae complex on low altitude sojourn of high altitude natives raises the possibility that a mechanism involving altered axonal transport may be involved. The reduced thickness of the basal laminal zone of microvessels implies that adaptive structural changes to hypobaric hypoxia may also occur in peripheral nerve and are similar to those reported in other tissues of high altitude natives.