Ovulation is triggered by a cyclical modulation of gonadotropes into a hyperexcitable state

Gonadotropes in the anterior pituitary gland are essential for fertility and provide a functional link between the brain and the gonads. To trigger ovulation, gonadotrope cells release massive amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH). The mechanism underlying this remains unclear. Here, we utilize a mouse model expressing a genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator exclusively in gonadotropes to dissect this mechanism in intact pituitaries. We demonstrate that female gonadotropes exclusively exhibit a state of hyperexcitability during the LH surge, resulting in spontaneous [Ca2+]i transients in these cells, which persist in the absence of any in vivo hormonal signals. L-type Ca2+ channels and transient receptor potential channel A1 (TRPA1) together with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels ensure this state of hyperexcitability. Consistent with this, virus-assisted triple knockout of Trpa1 and L-type Ca2+ subunits in gonadotropes leads to vaginal closure in cycling females. Our data provide insight into molecular mechanisms required for ovulation and reproductive success in mammals.

Acute Downregulation but Not Genetic Ablation of Murine MCU Impairs Suppressive Capacity of Regulatory CD4 T Cells

By virtue of mitochondrial control of energy production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and maintenance of Ca²⁺ homeostasis, mitochondria play an essential role in modulating T cell function. The mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter (MCU) is the pore-forming unit in the main protein complex mediating mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake. Recently, MCU has been shown to modulate Ca²⁺ signals at subcellular organellar interfaces, thus fine-tuning NFAT translocation and T cell activation. The mechanisms underlying this modulation and whether MCU has additional T cell subpopulation-specific effects remain elusive. However, mice with germline or tissue-specific ablation of Mcu did not show impaired T cell responses in vitro or in vivo, indicating that 'chronic' loss of MCU can be functionally compensated in lymphocytes. The current work aimed to specifically investigate whether and how MCU influences the suppressive potential of regulatory CD4 T cells (Treg). We show that, in contrast to genetic ablation, acute siRNA-mediated downregulation of Mcu in murine Tregs results in a significant reduction both in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake and in the suppressive capacity of Tregs, while the ratios of Treg subpopulations and the expression of hallmark transcription factors were not affected. These findings suggest that permanent genetic inactivation of MCU may result in compensatory adaptive mechanisms, masking the effects on the suppressive capacity of Tregs.

SMS reminders increase on-time vaccination in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants

Timely immunisation is important to protect children from communicable diseases. However, immunisation uptake in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under the age of two years is often lower than in non-Indigenous children. This contributes to the gap in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and non-Indigenous children. We have tested the effectiveness of short message service (SMS) reminders in improving timeliness of childhood immunisation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants in regional Queensland, Australia. Reminders were sent to parents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, at five immunisation age milestones: six weeks, four months, six months, 12 months, and 18 months. There was a significant improvement in the proportion of children vaccinated on-time (within 30 days of the due date), compared to an earlier age cohort, at all milestones except 12 months. The absolute risk difference (ARD) of on-time vaccination between the two cohorts ranged between 4.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.1-8.2%, at six weeks) and 12.9% (95% CI: 7.4-18.5%, at six months). The likelihood of on-time vaccination (rate ratio, RR) in the intervention group compared to the control group ranged from 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.10, at six weeks) to 1.31 (95% CI: 1.14-1.50, at 18 months). SMS reminders were associated with an improvement in immunisation timeliness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants at all age milestones measured except 12 months.

Bitter taste cells in the ventricular walls of the murine brain regulate glucose homeostasis

The median eminence (ME) is a circumventricular organ at the base of the brain that controls body homeostasis. Tanycytes are its specialized glial cells that constitute the ventricular walls and regulate different physiological states, however individual signaling pathways in these cells are incompletely understood. Here, we identify a functional tanycyte subpopulation that expresses key taste transduction genes including bitter taste receptors, the G protein gustducin and the gustatory ion channel TRPM5 (M5). M5 tanycytes have access to blood-borne cues via processes extended towards diaphragmed endothelial fenestrations in the ME and mediate bidirectional communication between the cerebrospinal fluid and blood. This subpopulation responds to metabolic signals including leptin and other hormonal cues and is transcriptionally reprogrammed upon fasting. Acute M5 tanycyte activation induces insulin secretion and acute diphtheria toxin-mediated M5 tanycyte depletion results in impaired glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese mice. We provide a cellular and molecular framework that defines how bitter taste cells in the ME integrate chemosensation with metabolism.

Subunit composition, molecular environment, and activation of native TRPC channels encoded by their interactomes

In the mammalian brain TRPC channels, a family of Ca²⁺-permeable cation channels, are involved in a variety of processes from neuronal growth and synapse formation to transmitter release, synaptic transmission and plasticity. The molecular appearance and operation of native TRPC channels, however, remained poorly understood. Here, we used high-resolution proteomics to show that TRPC channels in the rodent brain are macro-molecular complexes of more than 1 MDa in size that result from the co-assembly of the tetrameric channel core with an ensemble of interacting proteins (interactome). The core(s) of TRPC1-, C4-, and C5-containing channels are mostly heteromers with defined stoichiometries for each subtype, whereas TRPC3, C6, and C7 preferentially form homomers. In addition, TRPC1/C4/C5 channels may co-assemble with the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1, thus guaranteeing both specificity and reliability of channel activation via the phospholipase-Ca²⁺ pathway. Our results unveil the subunit composition of native TRPC channels and resolve the molecular details underlying their activation.

Whole-body analysis of TRPML3 (MCOLN3) expression using a GFP-reporter mouse model reveals widespread expression in secretory cells and endocrine glands

TRPML3 (mucolipin 3, MCOLN3) is an endolysosomal cation channel belonging to the TRPML subfamily of transient receptor potential channels. Gain-of-function mutations in the Trpml3 gene cause deafness, circling behavior and coat color dilution in mice due to cell death of TRPML3-expressing hair cells of the inner ear or skin melanocytes, respectively. Furthermore, TRPML3 was found to play a role in the long term survival of cochlear hair cells (its absence contributing to presbycusis), in specialized giant lysosomes that neonatal (birth to weaning) enterocytes used for the uptake and digestion of maternal milk nutrients, and in the expulsion of exosome-encased bacteria such as uropathogenic E. coli, infecting bladder epithelial cells. Recently, TRPML3 was found to be expressed at high levels in alveolar macrophages and loss of TRPML3 results in a lung emphysema phenotype, confirmed in two independently engineered Trpml3 knockout lines. TRPML3 is not ubiquitously expressed like its relative TRPML1 and thus cellular expression of TRPML3 on a whole-tissue level remains, with the exceptions mentioned above, largely elusive. To overcome this problem, we generated a τGFP reporter mouse model for TRPML3 and compared expression data obtained from this model by immunofluorescence on tissue sections with immunohistochemistry using TRPML3 antibodies and in situ hybridization. We thus uncovered expression in several organs and distinct cell types. We confirmed TRPML3 expression in both neonatal and adult alveolar macrophages, in melanocytes of hair follicles and glabrous skin, in principle cells of the collecting duct of the neonatal and adult kidney, and in olfactory sensory neurons of the olfactory epithelium, including its fibres protruding to the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb. Additionally, we localized TRPML3 in several glands including parathyroid, thyroid, salivary, adrenal, and pituitary gland, testes and ovaries, suggestive of potential roles for the channel in secretion or uptake of different hormones.

Using Outcome Trajectory Evaluation to Assess HarvestPlus' Contribution to the Development of National Biofortification Breeding Programs

Improving policies-broadly defined-is at the heart of the structural transformation agenda. This paper describes the use of a new evaluation method-outcome trajectory evaluation (OTE), based on both evaluation and policy process theory-to explore the influence of HarvestPlus, a large and complex research for development program focused on improving nutrition, on a specific policy outcome, namely the establishment of biofortification crop breeding programs in national agricultural research institutes in Bangladesh, India, and Rwanda. The findings support claims of significant HarvestPlus contributions while also raising issues that need to be monitored to ensure sustainability. The paper also discusses the pros and cons of the OTE approach in terms of methodological rigor and the accumulation of learning from one evaluation to the next.

TPC2 rescues lysosomal storage in mucolipidosis type IV, Niemann-Pick type C1, and Batten disease

Lysosomes are cell organelles that degrade macromolecules to recycle their components. If lysosomal degradative function is impaired, e.g., due to mutations in lysosomal enzymes or membrane proteins, lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) can develop. LSDs manifest often with neurodegenerative symptoms, typically starting in early childhood, and going along with a strongly reduced life expectancy and quality of life. We show here that small molecule activation of the Ca²⁺‐permeable endolysosomal two‐pore channel 2 (TPC2) results in an amelioration of cellular phenotypes associated with LSDs such as cholesterol or lipofuscin accumulation, or the formation of abnormal vacuoles seen by electron microscopy. Rescue effects by TPC2 activation, which promotes lysosomal exocytosis and autophagy, were assessed in mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), Niemann–Pick type C1, and Batten disease patient fibroblasts, and in neurons derived from newly generated isogenic human iPSC models for MLIV and Batten disease. For in vivo proof of concept, we tested TPC2 activation in the MLIV mouse model. In sum, our data suggest that TPC2 is a promising target for the treatment of different types of LSDs, both in vitro and in‐vivo.

Bitter taste signaling in tracheal epithelial brush cells elicits innate immune responses to bacterial infection

Constant exposure of the airways to inhaled pathogens requires efficient early immune responses protecting against infections. How bacteria on the epithelial surface are detected and first-line protective mechanisms are initiated are not well understood. We have recently shown that tracheal brush cells (BCs) express functional taste receptors. Here we report that bitter taste signaling in murine BCs induces neurogenic inflammation. We demonstrate that BC signaling stimulates adjacent sensory nerve endings in the trachea to release the neuropeptides CGRP and substance P that mediate plasma extravasation, neutrophil recruitment, and diapedesis. Moreover, we show that bitter tasting quorum-sensing molecules from Pseudomonas aeruginosa activate tracheal BCs. BC signaling depends on the key taste transduction gene Trpm5, triggers secretion of immune mediators, among them the most abundant member of the complement system, and is needed to combat P. aeruginosa infections. Our data provide functional insight into first-line defense mechanisms against bacterial infections of the lung.

Lung emphysema and impaired macrophage elastase clearance in mucolipin 3 deficient mice

Lung emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Excess macrophage elastase MMP-12, which is predominantly secreted from alveolar macrophages, is known to mediate the development of lung injury and emphysema. Here, we discovered the endolysosomal cation channel mucolipin 3 (TRPML3) as a regulator of MMP-12 reuptake from broncho-alveolar fluid, driving in two independently generated Trpml3-/- mouse models enlarged lung injury, which is further exacerbated after elastase or tobacco smoke treatment. Mechanistically, using a Trpml3IRES-Cre/eR26-τGFP reporter mouse model, transcriptomics, and endolysosomal patch-clamp experiments, we show that in the lung TRPML3 is almost exclusively expressed in alveolar macrophages, where its loss leads to defects in early endosomal trafficking and endocytosis of MMP-12. Our findings suggest that TRPML3 represents a key regulator of MMP-12 clearance by alveolar macrophages and may serve as therapeutic target for emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Combining mass spectrometry and genetic labeling in mice to report TRP channel expression

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels play important roles in fundamental biological processes throughout the body of humans and mice. TRP channel dysfunction manifests in different disease states, therefore, these channels may represent promising therapeutic targets in treating these conditions. Many TRP channels are expressed in several organs suggesting multiple functions and making it challenging to untangle the systemic pathophysiology of TRP dysfunction. Detailed characterization of the expression pattern of the individual TRP channels throughout the organism is thus essential to interpret data such as those derived from systemic phenotyping of global TRP knockout mice. Murine TRP channel reporter strains enable reliable labeling of TRP expression with a fluorescent marker. Here we present an optimized method to visualize primary TRP-expressing cells with single cell resolution throughout the entire organism. In parallel, we methodically combine systemic gene expression profiling with an adjusted mass spectrometry protocol to document acute protein levels in selected organs of interest. The TRP protein expression data are then correlated with the GFP reporter expression data. The combined methodological approach presented here can be adopted to generate expression data for other genes of interest and reporter mice.•We present an optimized method to systemically characterize gene expression in fluorescent reporter mouse strains with a single cell resolution.•We methodically combine systemic gene expression profiling with an adjusted mass spectrometry protocol to document acute protein levels in selected organs of interest in mice.

Defining a "Safe System of Work"

Providing a "safe system of work" is the essence of the general duties that employers have to their employees under workplace health and safety regulations. Despite this, consistent and appropriate definition of what constitutes a safe system of work is almost non-existent. Available definitions tend to confuse a safe system of work with management practices intended to bring about a safe system, or conflate the broad system suggested in general duties clauses with procedures or work methods that are focused on particular hazards or tasks. This article develops a definition of safe systems of work which recognises the broad scope of the concept and includes psychological health and return to work processes. This definition can be used by a range of stakeholders to better communicate the scope of occupational health and safety duties and more consistently assess whether a safe system has been provided both before and after incidents occur.

Prolactin-sensitive olfactory sensory neurons regulate male preference in female mice by modulating responses to chemosensory cues

Chemosensory cues detected in the nose need to be integrated with the hormonal status to trigger appropriate behaviors, but the neural circuits linking the olfactory and the endocrine system are insufficiently understood. Here, we characterize olfactory sensory neurons in the murine nose that respond to the pituitary hormone prolactin. Deletion of prolactin receptor in these cells results in impaired detection of social odors and blunts male preference in females. The prolactin-responsive olfactory sensory neurons exhibit a distinctive projection pattern to the brain that is similar across different individuals and express a limited subset of chemosensory receptors. Prolactin modulates the responses within these neurons to discrete chemosensory cues contained in male urine, providing a mechanism by which the hormonal status can be directly linked with distinct olfactory cues to generate appropriate behavioral responses.

A community-based sleep educational intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sleep education, effective in improving sleep in ASD, may be difficult to access. We determined if community-based pediatric therapists could successfully deliver sleep educational interventions to caregivers of children with ASD.

METHODS

A seven-week feasibility study was conducted consisting of 10 children and caregivers. This feasibility study informed the development of a 16-week preliminary effectiveness study, which consisted of 33 children and caregivers. Children, ages 2-12 years, with a clinical diagnosis of autism and caregiver-reported sleep onset delay of 30 min were included. Community therapists underwent comprehensive training in sleep education and then met with caregiver participants to provide sleep education to each family. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with all families who completed study procedures.In the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness studies, child participants wore an actigraphy watch (at baseline and after sleep education) and caregivers completed the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire and Family Inventory of Sleep Habits at baseline and after sleep education; the Child Behavior Checklist was also completed by caregivers in the preliminary effectiveness study.

RESULTS

Educator fidelity to the manualized curriculum was maintained. Caregivers showed appropriate understanding, comfort, and implementation of the curriculum. Qualitative and quantitative measures, including caregiver surveys and actigraphy, showed improvements in child sleep and behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Community-based therapists can successfully deliver sleep education to families of children with ASD, which has favorable implications for improving access to care in this population.

Odontoblast TRPC5 channels signal cold pain in teeth

Teeth are composed of many tissues, covered by an inflexible and obdurate enamel. Unlike most other tissues, teeth become extremely cold sensitive when inflamed. The mechanisms of this cold sensation are not understood. Here, we clarify the molecular and cellular components of the dental cold sensing system and show that sensory transduction of cold stimuli in teeth requires odontoblasts. TRPC5 is a cold sensor in healthy teeth and, with TRPA1, is sufficient for cold sensing. The odontoblast appears as the direct site of TRPC5 cold transduction and provides a mechanism for prolonged cold sensing via TRPC5's relative sensitivity to intracellular calcium and lack of desensitization. Our data provide concrete functional evidence that equipping odontoblasts with the cold-sensor TRPC5 expands traditional odontoblast functions and renders it a previously unknown integral cellular component of the dental cold sensing system.

Human TRPV6-pathies caused by gene mutations

The TRP-family of ion channels consists of 27 members in humans. Most TRP channels are non- selective cation channels with the exception of TRPV5 and TRPV6 which exhibit a high permeability for Ca²⁺ ions. A functional channel is formed by 4 identical subunits [1]. A growing number of mutations are present in human TRPV6 genes which alter channel function and can lead to elevated blood levels of the parathyroid hormone accompanied by transient hyperparathyroidism. Recent publications suggest that TRPV6 mutations could also trigger non-alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. This review summarises the consequences of these mutations within the TRPV6 gene.

Widespread Cell-Specific Prolactin Receptor Expression in Multiple Murine Organs

The prolactin receptor (Prlr) mediates not only the multiple effects of prolactin, but also those of the placental lactogens and, in humans, some actions of growth hormone. Although Prlr expression has been reported to be widespread in the body, specific cellular expression patterns within tissues are undefined for many organs. One persisting problem in investigating Prlr function is that the protein is difficult to detect using conventional methods. To allow investigation of Prlr expression with a single cell resolution, we have recently developed a knock-in mouse strain in which Cre recombinase is expressed together with the long isoform of the Prlr using an internal ribosome entry site. When crossed to a Cre-dependent reporter mouse strain, Cre-mediated recombination will genetically label cells that acutely express the Prlr as well as cells that have transiently expressed the Prlr during development. We report here the anatomical distribution of cells which express the fluorescent reporter τ green fluorescent protein in a total of 38 organs prepared from young adult male and female Prlr reporter mice. Our results establish a resource for dissecting the functional role of Prlr in multiple murine tissues.

TRPC channels regulate Ca2+-signaling and short-term plasticity of fast glutamatergic synapses

Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins form Ca²⁺-permeable, nonselective cation channels, but their role in neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis is elusive. In the present paper, we show that TRPC channels potently regulate synaptic plasticity by changing the presynaptic Ca²⁺-homeostasis of hippocampal neurons. Specifically, loss of TRPC1/C4/C5 channels decreases basal-evoked secretion, reduces the pool size of readily releasable vesicles, and accelerates synaptic depression during high-frequency stimulation (HFS). In contrast, primary TRPC5 channel-expressing neurons, identified by a novel TRPC5–τ-green fluorescent protein (τGFP) knockin mouse line, show strong short-term enhancement (STE) of synaptic signaling during HFS, indicating a key role of TRPC5 in short-term plasticity. Lentiviral expression of either TRPC1 or TRPC5 turns classic synaptic depression of wild-type neurons into STE, demonstrating that TRPCs are instrumental in regulating synaptic plasticity. Presynaptic Ca²⁺ imaging shows that TRPC activity strongly boosts synaptic Ca²⁺ dynamics, showing that TRPC channels provide an additional presynaptic Ca²⁺ entry pathway, which efficiently regulates synaptic strength and plasticity.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins can form non-selective cation channels, but their role in synaptic transmission is poorly understood. This study shows that calcium-permeable TRPC channels provide an additional calcium entry pathway at presynaptic sites and are efficient regulators of synaptic strength and plasticity.

Analysis of prolactin receptor expression in the murine brain using a novel prolactin receptor reporter mouse

Prolactin influences a wide range of physiological functions via actions within the central nervous system, as well as in peripheral tissues. A significant limitation in studies investigating these functions is the difficulty in identifying prolactin receptor (Prlr) expression, particularly in the brain. We have developed a novel mouse line using homologous recombination within mouse embryonic stem cells to produce a mouse in which an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) followed by Cre recombinase cDNA is inserted immediately after exon 10 in the Prlr gene, thereby targeting the long isoform of the Prlr. By crossing this Prlr-IRES-Cre mouse with a ROSA26-CAGS-tauGFP (τGFP) reporter mouse line, and using immunohistochemistry to detect τGFP, we were able to generate a detailed map of the distribution of individual Prlr-expressing neurones and fibres throughout the brain of adult mice without the need for amplification of the GFP signal. Because the τGFP is targeted to neurotubules, the labelling detected not only cell bodies, but also processes of prolactin-sensitive neurones. In both males and females, Cre-dependent τGFP expression was localised, with varying degrees of abundance, in a number of brain regions, including the lateral septal nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, preoptic and hypothalamic nuclei, medial habenula, posterodorsal medial amygdala, and brainstem regions such as the periaqueductal grey and parabrachial nucleus. The labelling was highly specific, occurring only in cells where we could also detect PrlrmRNA by in situ hybridisation. Apart from two brain areas, the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and the medial preoptic nucleus, the number and distribution of τGFP-immunopositive cells was similar in males and females, suggesting that prolactin may have many equivalent functions in both sexes. These mice provide a valuable tool for investigating the neural circuits underlying the actions of prolactin.

Do vaccination interventions have effects? A study on how poultry vaccination interventions change smallholder farmer knowledge, attitudes, and practice in villages in Kenya and Tanzania

Poultry are important for many poor households in developing countries, but there are many constraints to poultry production, including disease. One of the most important diseases of chickens is Newcastle disease (ND). Even though there are effective vaccines against this disease available in most countries, uptake by small-scale poultry keepers is often low. In this study, two areas in Kenya and Tanzania were studied, where some villages had received additional support to get vaccination and other villages had not. In Kenya, 320 households from 10 villages were interviewed, of which half of the villages had active promotion of vaccination through village-based advisors. In Tanzania, 457 households were interviewed, of which 241 came from villages that have had active support through either a project or government extension services. Knowledge about vaccines and the attitudes towards vaccinating against ND was evaluated using mixed multivariable logistic models. Results indicate that in Kenya, the most important determinants for understanding the function of a vaccine were having had support in the village and to have knowledge about ND signs, while in Tanzania gender and previous vaccine use were important in addition to having had support. Attitudes towards vaccination were mainly determined by knowledge, where more knowledge about how vaccines work in general or about ND contributed to more positive attitudes. Among Kenyan farmers that had never used the vaccine before, the amount of birds they lost to disease and predators also influenced attitudes. In conclusion, this study supports the notion that knowledge is a very important component of extension support and that simply making vaccines available may not be sufficient for high levels of uptake.

Lactation induces increases in the RANK/RANKL/OPG system in maxillary bone

The underlying causes of maxillary bone loss during lactation remain poorly understood. We evaluated the impact of lactation on physiological and mechanically-induced alveolar bone remodeling. Nulliparous non-lactating (N-LAC) and 21-day lactating (LAC) mice underwent mechanically-induced bone remodeling by orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Micro-computed tomography (microCT) was performed in the maxilla, femur and vertebra. Tartrate-resistant-acid phosphatase (TRAP) and Masson's trichrome labelling was performed in the maxillary bone and gene expression was determined in the periodontal ligament. The effect of prolactin on osteoclast (OCL) and osteoblast (OBL) differentiation was also investigated in N-LAC and LAC mice. Lactation increased alveolar bone loss in the maxilla, femur and vertebra, while OTM was enhanced. The number of OCL and OBL was higher in the maxilla of LAC mice. OTM increased OCL in both groups; while OBL was increased only in N-LAC but not in LAC mice, in which cell numbers were already elevated. The alveolar bone loss during lactation was associated with increased expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-KappaB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the maxilla. OTM induced the same responses in N-LAC mice, whereas it had no further effect in LAC mice. Lactation enhanced differentiation of OCL and OBL from bone marrow cells, and prolactin recapitulated OCL differentiation in N-LAC mice. Thus, lactation increases physiological maxillary bone remodeling and OTM, and both require activation of RANK/RANKL/OPG system. These findings expand our knowledge of lactation-induced osteopenia and have possible impact on clinical practice regarding orthodontic treatments and dental implants in lactating women.

Osteoprotective Effects of Estrogen in the Maxillary Bone Depend on ERα

Estrogen deficiency results in disruption of maxillary alveolar bone microarchitecture. Most of the actions of estrogen in long bones occur via estrogen receptor α (ERα). However, the function of ERα in the maxillary bone has not been defined. We aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of ERα in the physiological and mechanically induced alveolar bone remodeling in female and male mice. Wild-type (WT) and ERα−/− (ERKOα) mice were subjected to mechanically stimulated bone remodeling by inducing orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). The maxillary bone was analyzed using histomorphometric analysis, micro–computed tomography, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Bone marrow cells (BMCs) from WT and ERKOα mice were tested for their capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Both male and female ERKOα mice exhibited marked reduction of alveolar bone mass and increased OTM. This response was associated with an increased number of osteoclasts and reduced number of apoptotic cells and osteoblasts in the periodontium and alveolar bone. Consistently, ERKOα mice exhibited lower levels of calcium in bone and increased expression of IL-33 (interleukin-33), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor α), and IL-1β (interleukin-1β) and decreased expression of dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein and alkaline phosphatase in periodontal tissues. Moreover, the differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in vitro was significantly higher in BMCs obtained from ERKOα. ERα is required to maintain the microarchitecture of maxillary alveolar bone. This process is linked to bone cell differentiation and apoptosis, as well as local production of inflammatory molecules such as IL-33, TNF-α, and IL-1β.

Ionization effects on spectral signatures of quantum-path interference in high-harmonic generation

The interference between the emission originating from the short and long electron quantum paths is intrinsic to the high harmonic generation process. We investigate the universal properties of these quantum-path interferences in various generation media and discuss how ionization effects influence the observed interference structures. Our comparison of quantum-path interferences observed in xenon, argon, and neon demonstrates that our experimental tools are generally applicable and should also allow investigating more complex systems such as molecules or clusters.

SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome: 12 new cases demonstrating broader phenotype and high frequency of large gene deletions

BACKGROUND

Developmental eye anomalies, which include anophthalmia (absent eye) or microphthalmia (small eye) are an important cause of severe visual impairment in infants and young children. Heterozygous mutations in SOX2, a SOX1B-HMG box transcription factor, have been found in up to 10% of individuals with severe microphthalmia or anophthalmia and such mutations could also be associated with a range of non-ocular abnormalities.

METHODS

We performed mutation analysis on a new cohort of 120 patients with congenital eye abnormalities, mainly anophthalmia, microphthalmia and coloboma. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) were used to detect whole gene deletion.

RESULTS

We identified four novel intragenic SOX2 mutations (one single base deletion, one single base duplication and two point mutations generating premature translational termination codons) and two further cases with the previously reported c.70del20 mutation. Of 52 patients with severe microphthalmia or anophthalmia analysed by MLPA, 5 were found to be deleted for the whole SOX2 gene and 1 had a partial deletion. In two of these, FISH studies identified sub-microscopic deletions involving a minimum of 328 Kb and 550 Kb. The SOX2 phenotypes include a patient with anophthalmia, oesophageal abnormalities and horseshoe kidney, and a patient with a retinal dystrophy implicating SOX2 in retinal development.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide further evidence that SOX2 haploinsufficiency is a common cause of severe developmental ocular malformations and that background genetic variation determines the varying phenotypes. Given the high incidence of whole gene deletion we recommend that all patients with severe microphthalmia or anophthalmia, including unilateral cases be screened by MLPA and FISH for SOX2 deletions.

Measurement of bottom-quark hadron masses in exclusive J/psi decays with the CDF detector

We measure the masses of b hadrons in exclusively reconstructed final states containing a J/psi --> mu-mu+ decay using 220 pb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II experiment. We find: m(B+) = 5279.10 +/- 0.41(stat.) +/- 0.36(sys.) MeV/c2, m(B0) = 5279.63 +/- 0.53(stat.) +/- 0.33(sys.) MeV/c2, m(B(s)0) = 5366.01 +/- 0.73(stat.) +/- 0.33(sys.) MeV/c2, m(lambda(b)0) = 5619.7 +/- 1.2(stat.) +/- 1.2(sys.) MeV/c2. m(B+) - m(B0) = -0.53 +/- 0.67(stat.) +/- 0.14(sys.) MeV/c2, m(B(s)0) - m(B0) = 86.38 +/- 0.90(stat.) +/- 0.06(sys.) MeV/c2, m(lambda(b)0) - m(B0) = 339.2 +/- 1.4(stat.) +/- 0.1(sys.) MeV/c2. The measurements of the B(s)0, lambda(b)0 mass, m(B(s)0) - m(B0) and m(lambda(b)0) - m(B0) mass difference are of better precision than the current world averages.

Search for new physics using high-mass tau pairs from 1.96 TeV pp collisions

We present the results of a search for anomalous resonant production of tau lepton pairs with large invariant mass, the first such search using the CDF II Detector in Run II of the Tevatron pp collider. Such anomalous production could arise from various new physics processes. In a data sample corresponding to 195 pb(-1) of integrated luminosity we predict 2.8+/-0.5 events from standard model background processes and observe 4. We use this result to set limits on the production of heavy scalar and vector particles decaying to tau lepton pairs.

Measurement of B(t --> Wb)/B(t--> Wq) at the collider detector at fermilab

We present a measurement of the ratio of top-quark branching fractions R = B(t --> Wb)/B(t --> Wq), where q can be a b, s, or a d quark, using lepton-plus-jets and dilepton data sets with an integrated luminosity of approximately 162 pb(-1) collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab during Run II of the Tevatron. The measurement is derived from the relative numbers of tt events with different multiplicity of identified secondary vertices. We set a lower limit of R > 0.61 at 95% confidence level.

Search for long-lived doubly charged Higgs bosons in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for long-lived doubly charged Higgs bosons (H(+/- +/-)), with signatures of high ionization energy loss and muonlike penetration. We use 292 pb(-1) of data collected in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. Observing no evidence of long-lived doubly charged particle production, we exclude H(+/- +/-)(L) and H(+/- +/-)(R) bosons with masses below 133 GeV/c(2) and 109 GeV/c(2), respectively. In the degenerate case we exclude H(+/- +/-) mass below 146 GeV/c(2). All limits are quoted at the 95% confidence level.

Evidence for B0 s-->phiphi decay and measurements of branching ratio and A(CP) for B+ -->phiK+

We present the first evidence of charmless decays of the B(0)(s) meson, the decay B(0)(s)--> phiphi, and a measurement of the branching ratio BR(B(0)(s)--> phiphi) using 180 pb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. In addition, the BR and direct CP asymmetry for the B+-->phiK+ decay are measured. We obtain BR(B(0)(s)--> phiphi)=[14(+6)(-5)(stat)+/-6(syst)] x 10(-6), BR(B+-->phiK+)=[7.6+/-1.3(stat)+/-0.6(syst)] x 10(-6), and A(CP)(B+-->phiK+)= -0.07+/-0.17(stat)+0.03 / -0.02(syst). Both decays are governed in the standard model by second order (penguin) b-->s(-)ss amplitudes.

Search for anomalous kinematics in tt dilepton events at CDF II

We report on a search for anomalous kinematics of tt dilepton events in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV using 193 pb(-1) of data collected with the CDF II detector. We developed a new a priori technique designed to isolate the subset in a data sample revealing the largest deviation from standard model (SM) expectations and to quantify the significance of this departure. In the four-variable space considered, no particular subset shows a significant discrepancy, and we find that the probability of obtaining a data sample less consistent with the SM than what is observed is 1.0%-4.5%.

Measurement of the cross section for prompt diphoton production in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV

We report a measurement of the rate of prompt diphoton production in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV using a data sample of 207 pb(-1) collected with the upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab. The background from nonprompt sources is determined using a statistical method based on differences in the electromagnetic showers. The cross section is measured as a function of the diphoton mass, the transverse momentum of the diphoton system, and the azimuthal angle between the two photons and is found to be consistent with perturbative QCD predictions.

Measurement of the W(+)W(-) production cross section in pp collisions at square root[s]=1.96 TeV using dilepton events

We present a measurement of the W(+)W(-) production cross section using 184 pb(-1) of p(p) collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab. Using the dilepton decay channel W(+)W(-)-->l(+)nul(-), where the charged leptons can be either electrons or muons, we find 17 candidate events compared to an expected background of 5.0(+2.2)(-0.8) events. The resulting W(+)W(-) production cross-section measurement of sigma(pp-->W(+)W(-))=14.6(+5.8)(-5.1)(stat)(+1.8)(-3.0)(syst) +/- 0.9(lum) pb agrees well with the standard model expectation.

Lamotrigine has an anxiolytic-like profile in the rat conditioned emotional response test of anxiety: a potential role for sodium channels?

RATIONALE

Many anticonvulsants are used in disorders other than epilepsy. For example, lamotrigine is reported to be effective in post-traumatic stress disorder and mania.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the effects of the anticonvulsants lamotrigine, valproate and carbamazepine in an animal model of anxiety. We assessed a wide range of pharmacological tools to delineate the mechanism of lamotrigine's anxiolytic effect.

METHODS

We assessed these compounds in the rat conditioned emotional response (CER) test of anxiety.

RESULTS

Lamotrigine (30-80 mg/kg) dose-dependently and reproducibly engendered an anxiolytic response in this test, with similar efficacy to benzodiazepines. Carbamazepine (20-40 mg/kg) and riluzole (10 mg/kg), which block Na+ channels by a similar mechanism as lamotrigine, were also anxiolytic. By contrast, valproate (100-600 mg/kg) was inactive and appears to differ in its interaction with Na+ channels. The SSRI paroxetine, the GABA(A) receptor positive modulator propofol, the NMDA antagonists memantine and (+)MK-801, and the Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine were all inactive in the CER test, suggesting these mechanisms may not mediate the anxiolytic effect of lamotrigine. More directly, we showed that the anxiolytic effect of lamotrigine could be blocked by co-administering rats with the Na+ channel activator veratrine (0.1 mg/kg). By contrast, neither the Ca2+ channel agonist BAYK8644 (0.5 mg/kg) nor the 5-HT1A or 5-HT(1/2) antagonists WAY100635 (0.3 mg/kg) and metergoline (3 mg/kg), respectively, were able to block the effect.

CONCLUSION

Lamotrigine's anxiolytic effect in the CER test may be mediated via block of Na+ channels, and this may represent a target for the development of novel anxiolytics.

Measurement of partial widths and search for direct CP violation in D0 meson decays to K-K+ and pi-pi+

We present a measurement of relative partial widths and decay rate CP asymmetries in K-K+ and pi(-)pi(+) decays of D0 mesons produced in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. We use a sample of 2x10(5) D(*+)-->D0pi(+) (and charge conjugate) decays with the D0 decaying to K-pi(+), K-K+, and pi(-)pi(+), corresponding to 123 pb(-1) of data collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. No significant direct CP violation is observed. We measure Gamma(D0-->K-K+)/Gamma(D0-->K-pi(+))=0.0992+/-0.0011+/-0.0012, Gamma(D0-->pi(-)pi(+))/Gamma(D0-->K-pi(+))=0.035 94+/-0.000 54+/-0.000 40, A(CP)(K-K+)=(2.0+/-1.2+/-0.6)%, and A(CP)(pi(-)pi(+))=(1.0+/-1.3+/-0.6)%, where, in all cases, the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.

Measurement of the lifetime difference between Bs mass eigenstates

We present measurements of the lifetimes and polarization amplitudes for B(0)(s)-->J/psiphi and B(0)(d)-->J/psiK(*0) decays. Lifetimes of the heavy and light mass eigenstates in the B(0)(s) system are separately measured for the first time by determining the relative contributions of amplitudes with definite CP as a function of the decay time. Using 203+/-15 B(0)(s) decays we obtain tau(L) = (1.05(+0.16)(-0.13) +/- 0.02) ps and tau(H) = (2.07(+0.58)(-0.46) +/- 0.03) ps. Expressed in terms of the difference DeltaGamma(s) and average Gamma(s), of the decay rates of the two eigenstates, the results are DeltaGamma(s)/Gamma(s) = (65(+25)(-33) +/- 1)% and DeltaGamma(s) = (0.47(+0.19)(-0.24) +/- 0.01) ps(-1).

Search for excited and exotic electrons in the egamma decay channel in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for excited and exotic electrons (e(*)) decaying to an electron and a photon, both with high transverse momentum. We use 202 pb(-1) of data collected in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV with the Collider Detector at Fermilab II detector. No signal above standard model expectation is seen for associated ee(*) production. We discuss the e(*) sensitivity in the parameter space of the excited electron mass M(e(*)) and the compositeness energy scale Lambda. In the contact interaction model, we exclude 132 GeV/c(2)<M(e(*))<879 GeV/c(2) for Lambda = M(e(*)) at 95% confidence level (C.L.). In the gauge-mediated model, we exclude 126 GeV/c(2) < M(e(*)) < 430 GeV/c(2) at 95% C.L. for the phenomenological coupling f/Lambda approximately 10(-2) GeV-1.

First measurements of inclusive W and Z cross sections from run II of the fermilab tevatron collider

We report the first measurements of inclusive W and Z cross sections times leptonic branching ratios for pp collisions at square root[s]=1.96 TeV, based on their decays to electrons and muons. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 72 pb(-1) recorded with the CDF detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We test e-mu universality in W decays, and we measure the ratio of leptonic W and Z rates from which the leptonic branching fraction B(W-->lnu) can be extracted as well as an indirect value for the total width of the W and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element, |V(cs)|.

Measurement of Wgamma and Zgamma production in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV

The standard model predictions for Wgamma and Zgamma production are tested using an integrated luminosity of 200 pb(-1) of pp collision data collected at the Collider Detector at Fermilab. The cross sections are measured by selecting leptonic decays of the W and Z bosons, and photons with transverse energy ET>7 GeV that are well separated from leptons. The production cross sections and kinematic distributions for the Wgamma and Zgamma data are compared to SM predictions.

Search for doubly charged Higgs bosons decaying to dileptons in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for doubly charged Higgs bosons (H+/-+/-) decaying to dileptons (ll(')) using approximately 240 pb(-1) of pp collision data collected by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron. In our search region, given by same-sign ll(') mass m(ll('))>80 GeV/c(2) (100 GeV/c(2) for ee channel), we observe no evidence for H+/-+/- production. We set limits on sigma(pp -->H++H---->l(+)l('+)l(-)l('-)) as a function of the mass of the H+/-+/- and the chirality of its couplings. Assuming exclusive same-sign dilepton decays, we derive lower mass limits on H(+/-+/-)(L) of 133, 136, and 115 GeV/c(2) in the ee, mumu, and emu channels, respectively, and a lower mass limit of 113 GeV/c(2) on H(+/-+/-)(R) in the mumu channel, all at the 95% confidence level.

Measurement of the tt production cross section in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV using dilepton events

We report a measurement of the tt production cross section using dilepton events with jets and missing transverse energy in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV. Using a 197+/-12 pb(-1) data sample recorded by the upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab, we use two complementary techniques to select candidate events. We compare the number of observed events and selected kinematical distributions with the predictions of the standard model and find good agreement. The combined result of the two techniques yields a tt production cross section of 7.0(+2.4)(-2.1)(stat)+1.6-1.1(syst)+/-0.4(lum) pb.

Observation of the narrow state X(3872)-->J/psipi+pi- in pp collisions at sqaure root of s=1.96 TeV

We report the observation of a narrow state decaying into J/psipi+pi- and produced in 220 pb(-1) of p p-bar collisions at =1.96 Tesqaure root of sV in the CDF II experiment. We observe 730+/-90 decays. The mass is measured to be 3871.3+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.4(syst) MeV/c2, with an observed width consistent with the detector resolution. This is in agreement with the recent observation by the Belle Collaboration of the X(3872) meson.

Search for B0s-->micro+micro- and B0d-->micro+micro- decays in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We report on a search for B(0)(s)-->micro(+)micro(-) and B(0)(d)-->micro(+)micro(-) decays in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV using 171 pb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The decay rates of these rare processes are sensitive to contributions from physics beyond the standard model. One event survives all our selection requirements, consistent with the background expectation. We derive branching ratio limits of B(B(0)(s)-->micro(+)micro(-))<5.8x10(-7) and B(B(0)(d)-->micro(+)micro(-))<1.5x10(-7) at 90% confidence level.