Combined Effect of Biochar and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizbacteria on Physiological Responses of Canola (Brassica napus L.) Subjected to Drought Stress

Biochar (BC) and plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPR) could represent a suitable agronomical strategy to mitigate the impacts of drought in arid agro-environmental conditions. However, there is currently little understanding of the synergistic benefit of combining BC and PGPR to increase drought tolerance in oilseeds. In this study, the physiological response of two water-stressed canola (Brassica napus L.) plants subjected to the application of BC obtained from waste wood of Morus alba applied solely or in combination with PGPR strains (Pseudomonas sp.) was evaluated. The experiment consists of two genotypes and nine treatments [(C-Control, T1-15 days drought (15DD), T2-30 days drought (30DD), T3-15 days of drought + PG (15DD + PG), T4-30 days of drought + PG (30DD + PG), T5-15 days drought + biochar (15DD + BC), T6-30 days drought + biochar (30DD + BC), T7-15 days drought + biochar + PG (15DD + BC + PG), T8-30 days drought + biochar + PG (30DD + BC + PG)]. Drought stress decreased emergence energy (EE), leaf area index (LAI), leaf area ratio (LAR), root shoot ratio (RSR), moisture content of leaves (MCL), percent moisture content (%MC), moisture content of shoot (MCS) and moisture content of root (MCR), and relative water content (RWC) in both varieties of Brassica napus L., which in contrast, it is increased by the collective application of both biochar and PGPR. In both varieties, N, P, K, Mg, and Ca concentrations were highest in all the biochar and PGPRs separate and combined treatments, while lowest in 15 and 30 days drought treatments. Osmolyte contents like Glycine betaine (GB) and sugar remarkably increased in the stress condition and then reduced due to the synergistic application of biochar and PGPR. Drought stress has a repressive effect on the antioxidant enzymatic system like Peroxidase (POD), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as total flavonoids, phenolics, and protein content. The antioxidant enzymes and phenolic compounds were dramatically increased by the combined action of biochar and PGPRs. A significant increase in EE, LAR, RSR, and RWC under 15 and 30 days drought conditions, evidently highlighting the synergistic effect of BC and PGPR. The results conclude a substantial and positive effect of the combined use of BC and PGPR strains on canola's response to induced drought stress, by regulating the physiological, biochemical, and agronomic traits of the plants.

Graphical Abstract

Effects of Chloride and Sulfate Salts on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Ballota hirsuta Benth. and Myrtus communis L

Soil salinity is a well-known abiotic factor affecting the germination and seedling growth of various plant species. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of different chloride salts (NaCl, KCl and MgCl2) and sulfate salts (Na2SO4, K2SO4 and MgSO4) on the seed germination and early seedling growth of two important ethnomedicinal shrubs of North Africa and the Mediterranean basin (Ballota hirsuta and Myrtus communis). Seeds of these species were subjected to five salinity levels (0-100 mM) and incubated at 20 °C under a light regime (12 h photoperiod). Both species demonstrated their highest germination percentage under control conditions (i.e., without salinity). However, as salinity levels increased, the germination percentages for both species decreased, regardless of the type of salt used. Cations appeared to be more determinative than the anions in regulating the seed germination of both species. M. communis seeds displayed greater sensitivity to sodium (Na+) salts, especially when accompanied with chloride (Cl-) anions. At the higher salt concentrations (75 and 100 mM), Na+ salts had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on M. communis seedling growth compared to potassium (K+) and magnesium (Mg2+) salts. Conversely, Mg2+ salts were more detrimental to seedling growth in B. hirsuta. Based on our results, it can be concluded that both of these species are able to tolerate a moderate level of salinity. Overall, B. hirsuta may be a promising choice for rehabilitating the soils dominated by chloride salts, while M. communis could be utilized for restoring sulfate-dominated soils.

Storage on Maternal Plants Affects Temperature Requirements during Germination in Rumex obtusifolius

Aerial seed banks facilitate population persistence by extending the temporal range of seed dispersal. Knowing the temporal range of germination will improve our understanding of the relationship between seed germination dynamics and aerial seed bank storage duration. We tested the effects of temperature (12/12 h of 5/10, 10/20, 20/30 and 25/35 °C) and light variation (12 h light/12 h darkness and 24 h darkness per day) on germination of Rumex obtusifolius L. seeds retained in an aerial seed bank for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 months. Freshly harvested R. obtusifolius were non-dormant and exhibited germination rates of up to 92%. Overall, seeds of R. obtusifolius germinated reliably at all but the lowest temperature (5/10 °C). Seeds maintained high viability throughout the collection period, indicating that fluctuating weather conditions had little influence on seed germination. Thus, the species can maintain viable seeds in aerial storage for up to 10 months and contribute viable seeds to the soil seed bank year-round. This ability to maintain a renewed soil seed bank contributes to the species' strong resilience in colonizing disturbed areas and makes it a difficult weed to control.

Characterization of Invasiveness, Thermotolerance and Light Requirement of Nine Invasive Species in China

Understanding responsible functional traits for promoting plant invasiveness could be important to aid in the development of adequate management strategies for invasive species. Seed traits play an important role in the plant life cycle by affecting dispersal ability, formation of the soil seed bank, type and level of dormancy, germination, survival and/or competitive ability. We assessed seed traits and germination strategies of nine invasive species under five temperature regimes and light/dark treatments. Our results showed a considerable level of interspecific variation in germination percentage among the tested species. Both cooler (5/10 °C) and warmer (35/40 °C) temperatures tended to inhibit germination. All study species were considered small-seeded, and seed size did not affect germination in the light. Yet, a slightly negative correlation was found between germination in the dark and seed dimensions. We classified the species into three categories according to their germination strategies: (i) risk-avoiders, mostly displaying dormant seeds with low G%; (ii) risk-takers, reaching a high G% in a broad range of temperatures; (iii) intermediate species, showing moderate G% values, which could be enhanced in specific temperature regimes. Variability in germination requirements could be important to explain species coexistence and invasion ability of plants to colonize different ecosystems.

Pyramiding of Four Broad Spectrum Bacterial Blight Resistance Genes in Cross Breeds of Basmati Rice

Pyramiding of major resistance (R) genes through marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a useful way to attain durable and broad-spectrum resistance against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae pathogen, the causal agent of bacterial blight (BB) disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The present study was designed to pyramid four broad spectrum BB-R genes (Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa21) in the background of Basmati-385, an indica rice cultivar with much sought-after qualitative and quantitative grain traits. The cultivar, however, is susceptible to BB and was therefore, crossed with IRBB59 which possesses R genes xa5, xa13 and Xa21, to attain broad and durable resistance. A total of 19 F1 plants were obtained, some of which were backcrossed with Basmati-385 and large number of BC1F1 plants were obtained. In BC1F2 generation, 31 phenotypically superior genotypes having morphological features of Basmati-385, were selected and advanced up to BC1F6 population. Sequence-tagged site (STS)-based MAS was carried out and phenotypic selection was made in each successive generation. In BC1F6 population, potentially homozygous recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from each line were selected and evaluated on the bases of STS evaluation and resistance to local Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) isolates. Line 23 was found pyramided with all four BB-R genes i.e., Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa21. Five genotypes including line 8, line 16, line 21, line 27 and line 28 were identified as pyramided with three R genes, Xa4, xa5 and xa13. Pathological study showed that rice lines pyramided with quadruplet or triplet R genes showed the highest level of resistance compared to doublet or singlet R genes. Thus, line 23 with quadruplet, and lines 8, 16, 21, 27, and 28 with triplet R genes, are recommended for replicated yield and resistance trials before release as new rice varieties. Further, traditional breeding coupled with MAS, is a solid way to attain highly effective BB-resistant rice lines with no yield cost.

The National Institute of Health and the Italian Poison Centers Network: results of a collaborative study for the surveillance of exposures to chemicals

Results

Important information was obtained, regarding also exposures to chemicals and their management in pediatric populations. The surveillance network was proved effective not only under "normal" conditions but also to promptly monitor changes during exceptional health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2020 lockdown the surveillance system registered a significant increase in the frequency of exposures to disinfectants (p-value=0.002), an evidence that highlighted the need of tailored intervention.

Conclusions

This Italian Project model proves to be reliable and suitable to be transferred to other European countries, in order to realize an European Poison Centers' Network, able to overcome unsolved health problems and to globally improve the "evidence-based" prevention of exposures to chemicals.

Background

The Public Health Surveillance Systems are essential to improve and protect public health, as highlighted by the World Health Organization. According with this consideration, a systematic collaboration between the National Institute of Health and the Poison Centers of Northern, Central and Southern Italy was established. Its aim was to improve the national network for the surveillance of dangerous exposures to chemicals. The developed network provided harmonized data essential for evidence-based interventions and significantly ameliorated the data flow between the Poison Centers and the Central Health Institutions.

Methods

The improvement of the system was obtained through several actions, such as the development of the "Online Surveillance Card" for the detection of sentinel events in real time and the harmonization of the data collection flow, including the product categorization according to the European Product Categorization System. Data analysis was carried out by Microsoft's IBM SPSS Statistics version 26, Access and Excel.

Catalytic properties of lipoxygenase extracted from different varieties of Pisum sativum and Lens culinaris

Lipoxygenase (LOX, E.C. 1.13.11.12), among its various roles, catalyzes the degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and it is considered to be one of the main causes of undesirable off-flavor developments in legumes. The role of LOX in postharvest physiology is particularly significant in seeds with high values of lipoxygenase and linoleic acid levels. This research aimed to study the biochemical properties of the LOX extracted from green pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Léda, Zeusz, Zsuzsi), dry pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Hanka, Irina, Lutra), and lentil (Lens culinaris L., var. Pinklevi, Rézi, Castelluccio), using linoleic acid as a substrate. The raw extracts showed different catalytic properties, with dry pea (var. Irina) that expressed the highest LOX activity, while lentil (var. Pinklevi) expressed the lowest activity. To complete the biochemical characterization of the crude LOX extracts, their optimal pH and temperature were also examined. The highest value of lipoxygenase activity in the pH range 6-7 was measured in all legumes. The optimal temperature for all extracts fell within the range of 30-60°C given the nutritional importance of legumes. This study will serve as a basis for further detailed investigation of the legumes LOX activity and its roles in food products related to legumes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study investigated the biochemical properties of lipoxygenase (LOX) extracted from different varieties of lentil and pea, the two important leguminous crops serving as the main protein source for the population of humans worldwide. The biochemical properties of LOX extracted from legumes showed large differences in terms of kinetic properties. The results of this study revealed that the use of lipoxygenase can be a suitable index for managing stabilization techniques of lentil and pea, in order to inhibit the lipid oxidation in grain legume without compromising its nutritional value.

Day-Length Is Involved in Flooding Tolerance Response in Wild Type and Variant Genotypes of Rootstock Prunus cerasifera L

Current and predicted climate changes scenarios require crops with an improved adaptability to mutable environmental features, such as, hypoxia for the root system. In order to overcome the reduction of oxygen, plants activate coping mechanisms and strategies. Prunus spp. are hypoxia-sensitive woody species and although many information has been gathered over the last decades, many physiological mechanisms remain unclear. To verify whether anoxic plant responses are also regulated by photoperiod, plants of Mr.S.2/5-WT plum, and its variant genotypes S.4 tolerant (plus) and S.1 sensitive (minus) to flooding, were grown in a greenhouse and were submitted to natural photoperiod (NP) and to constant photoperiod (CP) from mid-July until the first 10 days of October. From mid-September plants from each genotype, grown under the two photoperiods, were divided into two groups, and one of them underwent long-term flooding. Gas exchange parameters, energetic and biochemical activities, leaf chlorophyll contents, and stress symptoms were measured at different times, whereas soluble sugars were quantified in leaves and roots 14 days after flooding, when stress symptoms in WT and S.1 became prominent. Seasonal changes in the photoperiod played a role in the adaptability to anoxia, although flooding stress response differed among the three genotypes. Anoxia affected leaf gas exchange and S.4 flooded-leaves retained higher ACO2 under conditions of NP and CP. Leaf soluble sugar concentration differed among genotypes. Regardless the photoperiod, S.4 anoxic-leaf sugar concentration was the lowest, except for sorbitol. S.4 anoxic-roots under CP accumulated the highest levels of sucrose and sorbitol. Influences of the photoperiod were observed in WT and S.1 anoxic-leaves, whereas S.1 anoxic roots accumulated the lowest concentration of sugars, regardless of photoperiod. Leaf and root respiratory activity in flooded-plants was highest in S.4, and ADH activity increased in all flooded plants under CP but the highest activity was observed only in S.1 under NP during flooding. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that the S.4 genotype has a plastic adaptability to flooding stress, escaping from the photoperiod regulatory cross-talk system, and can better cope with the new scenarios generated by climate changes.

Influence of organic management on As bioavailability: Soil quality and tomato As uptake

The research studied the effects of organic vs. conventional management of soil quality and tomato yield quality, cultivated in a geogenic arsenic contaminated soil. The chemical and biochemical properties were analyzed to evaluate soil quality, arsenic mobility and its phyto-availability, as well as arsenic accumulation in the tomato plant tissues and if tomatoes cultivated in arsenic rich soil represents a risk for human health. A general improvement of tomato growth and soil quality was observed in the organic management, where soil organic carbon increased from 1.24 to 1.48% and total nitrogen content. The arsenic content of the soil in the organic management increased from 57.0 to 65.3 mg kg^-1, probably due to a greater content of organic matter which permitted the soil to retain the arsenic naturally present in irrigation water. An increase of bioavailable arsenic was observed in the conventional management compared to the organic one (7.05 vs 6.18 mg kg^-1). The bioavailable form of metalloid may affect soil microbial community structure assessed using El-FAME analysis. The increase of the total arsenic concentration in the organic management did not represent a stress factor for soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), which was higher in the organic management than in the conventional one (267 vs. 132 μg Cmic g^-1). Even if the organic management caused an increase of total arsenic concentration in the soil due to the enhanced organic matter content, retaining arsenic from irrigation water, this management mitigates the arsenic uptake by tomato plants reducing the mobility of the metalloid.

Dual role of the caspase enzymes in satellite cells from aged and young subjects

Satellite cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation have critical roles in skeletal muscle recovery after injury and adaptation in response to hypertrophic stimuli. Normal ageing hinders SC proliferation and differentiation, and is associated with increased expression of a number of pro-apoptotic factors in skeletal muscle. In light of previous studies that have demonstrated age-related altered expression of genes involved in SC antioxidant and repair activity, this investigation was aimed at evaluating the incidence of apoptotic features in human SCs. Primary cells were obtained from vastus lateralis of nine young (27.3±2.0 years old) and nine old (71.1±1.8 years old) subjects, and cultured in complete medium for analyses at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h. Apoptosis was assessed using AnnexinV/propidium iodide staining, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling technique, RT-PCR, DNA microarrays, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analysis. There was an increased rate of apoptotic cells in aged subjects at all of the experimental time points, with no direct correlation between AnnexinV-positive cells and caspase-8 activity. On the other hand, CASP2, CASP6, CASP7, and CASP9 and a number of cell death genes were upregulated in the aged SCs. Altogether, our data show age-related enhanced susceptibility of human SCs to apoptosis, which might be responsible for their reduced response to muscle damage.

Aqueous solutions of divalent chlorides: ions hydration shell and water structure

By combining neutron diffraction and Monte Carlo simulations, we have determined the microscopic structure of the hydration ions shell in aqueous solutions of MgCl(2) and CaCl(2), along with the radial distribution functions of the solvent. In particular the hydration shell of the cations, show cation specific symmetry, due to the strong and directional interaction of ions and water oxygens. The ions and their hydration shells likely form molecular moieties and bring clear signatures in the water-water radial distribution functions. Apart from these signatures, the influence of divalent salts on the microscopic structure of water is similar to that of previously investigated monovalent solutes, and it is visible as a shift of the second peak of the oxygen-oxygen radial distribution function, caused by distortion of the hydrogen bond network of water.

A multivariate analysis for evaluating the environmental and economical aspects of agroecosystem sustainability in central Italy

Over the past century farming activity has intensified worldwide, characterized by an increasing dependence on external inputs and on land conversion. Although the intensification of agriculture has increased productivity, the sustainability of agroecosystems has also been compromised. The objective of this study is to build multivariate relationships between farm structural characteristics and farm performance to highlight the relative costs and benefits of four main farming systems in Central Italy: organic, conventional, mixed and non-mixed farms. Results show that the relationship between cropping diversity and agroecological sustainability is associated to a mixed versus non-mixed farm management dichotomy, not to organic or conventional farming practices. The presence of livestock appears to have played an important role as an economic lever for diversifying the farm cropping system.

Transcriptional profile of denervated vastus lateralis muscle derived from a patient 8 months after spinal cord injury: a case-report

A lack of motor neurons abolishes both neurotrophic factor secretion and contractile activity in muscle, which impairs mass, contractile properties, and fibre-type characteristics of the muscle. However, the molecular pathways that can be stimulated or repressed in the scenario of spinal cord injury remain unknown. We investigated for the first time the transcriptional profile of a young male patient 8 months after spinal cord injury. Adaptive metabolic changes of complete denervated skeletal muscle were revealed. In particular, the main molecular pathways involved include metabolic and proteolitic pathways, mitochondrial and synaptic function, calcium homeostasis, sarcomere and anchorage structures. Our data depict the molecular signalling still present in complete denervated skeletal muscle fibres a few months after spinal cord injury. These data could be of interest also to design a specific therapeutic approach aimed at the electrical-stimulation of severe atrophied skeletal muscle.

Cellular and molecular responses of human skeletal muscle exposed to hypoxic environment

The effects of a hypobaric, hypoxic environment and exercise performed under extreme conditions, such as at high altitudes, are intriguing physiological aspects that need to be investigated directly on human climbers. Their skeletal muscle is one of the main tissues that can suffer from hypoxia and physical challenges, which will both define the muscle adaptation and the molecular signature of regenerative capacity. We investigated the muscle regenerative capacity characterizing satellite cells. Our study shows that satellite cells are altered by hypobaric, hypoxic environments and exercise performed at high altitudes. Of note, in human skeletal muscle after this 5,000 m a.s.l. expedition, SCs showed a significantly lower ability to regenerate skeletal muscle, in respect to before this high-altitude expedition. This impairment appears to be due to reduced satellite cell activity, consistent with their decreased myogenicity and fusion ability. Furthermore, at the transcriptional level several pathways, such as cell cycle, myogenesis, oxidative metabolism, proteolysis and sarcomeric protein synthesis, were found dysregulated.

Effect of pre-breathing oxygen at different depth on oxidative status and calcium concentration in lymphocytes of scuba divers

AIM

In-water pre-breathing oxygen at various depths reduces decompression-induced bubble formation and platelet activation, but it could induce side effects such as oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in-water pre-breathing oxygen, at different depths, on the oxidative status and intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+) ]i) of peripheral blood lymphocytes isolated from six divers. They participated in a 4-diving protocol. Two week recovery time was allowed between successive dives. Before diving, all divers, for 20 min, breathed normally at sea level (dive 1), 100% oxygen at sea level (dive 2), 100% oxygen at 6 msw (dive 3), 100% oxygen at 12 msw (dive 4). Then they dived to 30 msw for 20 min with air tank.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected before and after each dive. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2) ) levels, catalase (CAT) activity, mRNA expression of CAT, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the [Ca(2+) ]i in lymphocytes were measured.

RESULTS

The dives slightly decreased lymphocyte number and significantly reduced lymphocyte H(2) O(2) levels. CAT activity was higher after scuba diving and, dive 3 enhanced mRNA gene expression of CAT, GPx and SOD. The [Ca(2+) ]i was higher after dive 1 and 2 than pre-diving, while was maintained at pre-diving value after dive 3 and 4.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that pre-breathing oxygen, in particular at 12 msw, may enhance lymphocyte antioxidant activity and reduce reactive oxygen species levels. Pre-breathing oxygen in water may also preserve calcium homeostasis, suggesting a protective role in the physiological lymphocyte cell functions.

Structural study of low concentration LiCl aqueous solutions in the liquid, supercooled, and hyperquenched glassy states

Neutron diffraction experiments on a solution of LiCl in water (R = 40) at ambient conditions and in the supercooled and hyperquenched states are reported and analyzed within the empirical potential structure refinement framework. Evidence for the modifications of the microscopic structure of the solvent in the presence of such a small amount of salt is found at all investigated thermodynamic states. On the other hand, it is evident that the structure of the hyperquenched salty sample is similar to that of pure low density amorphous water, although all the peaks of the radial distribution functions are broader in the present case. Changes upon supercooling or hyperquenching of the ion's hydration shells and contacts are of limited size and evidence for segregation phenomena at these states does not clearly show up, although the presence of water separated contacts between ion of the same sign is intriguing.

The effect of confinement on water structure

Neutron diffraction experiments with hydrogen isotope substitution on water confined in MCM41-S15 have been performed at temperatures of 300 and 210 K. Data are analyzed at a microscopic level using a revised version of the empirical potential structure refinement technique. It is found that the influence of the substrate on the water structure is not negligible and depends on the temperature: owing to the geometrical constraints and the symmetry breaking induced by the wall, comparison with the corresponding bulk phases is not straightforward and standard analysis should be replaced by a more suitable one.

Polycystic liver diseases

Polycystic liver diseases (PCLDs) are genetic disorders with heterogeneous etiologies and a range of phenotypic presentations. PCLD exhibits both autosomal or recessive dominant pattern of inheritance and is characterized by the progressive development of multiple cysts, isolated or associated with polycystic kidney disease, that appear more extensive in women. Cholangiocytes have primary cilia, functionally important organelles (act as mechanosensors) that are involved in both normal developmental and pathological processes. The absence of polycystin-1, 2, and fibrocystin/polyductin, normally localized to primary cilia, represent a potential mechanism leading to cyst formation, associated with increased cell proliferation and apoptosis, enhanced fluid secretion, abnormal cell-matrix interactions, and alterations in cell polarity. Proliferative and secretive activities of cystic epithelium can be regulated by estrogens either directly or by synergizing growth factors including nerve growth factor, IGF1, FSH and VEGF. The abnormalities of primary cilia and the sensitivity to proliferative effects of estrogens and different growth factors in PCLD cystic epithelium provide the morpho-functional basis for future treatment targets, based on the possible modulation of the formation and progression of hepatic cysts.

Recent advances in the regulation of cholangiocyte proliferation and function during extrahepatic cholestasis

Bile duct epithelial cells (i.e., cholangiocytes), which line the intrahepatic biliary epithelium, are the target cells in a number of human cholestatic liver diseases (termed cholangiopathies). Cholangiocyte proliferation and death is present in virtually all human cholangiopathies. A number of recent studies have provided insights into the key mechanisms that regulate the proliferation and function of cholangiocytes during the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver diseases. In our review, we have summarised the most important of these recent studies over the past 3 years with a focus on those performed in the animal model of extrahepatic bile duct ligation. In the first part of the review, we provide relevant background on the biliary ductal system. We then proceed with a general discussion of the factors regulating biliary proliferation performed in the cholestatic animal model of bile duct ligation. Further characterisation of the factors that regulate cholangiocyte proliferation and function will help in elucidating the mechanisms regulating the pathogenesis of biliary tract diseases in humans and in devising new treatment approaches for these devastating diseases.

Transcription profile analysis of vastus lateralis muscle from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disabling condition characterized by unexplained chronic fatigue that impairs normal activities. Many body systems are affected and etiology has not yet been identified. In addition to immunological and psychological aspects, skeletal muscle symptoms are prominent in CFS patients. In an effort to establish which pathways might be involved in the onset and development of muscle symptoms, we used global transcriptome analysis to identify genes that were differentially expressed in the vastus lateralis muscle of female and male CFS patients. We found that the expression of genes that play key roles in mitochondrial function and oxidative balance, including superoxide dismutase 2, were altered, as were genes involved in energy production, muscular trophism and fiber phenotype determination. Importantly, the expression of a gene encoding a component of the nicotinic cholinergic receptor binding site was reduced, suggesting impaired neuromuscular transmission. We argue that these major biological processes could be involved in and/or responsible for the muscle symptoms of CFS.

Extracellular guanosine and GTP promote expression of differentiation markers and induce S-phase cell-cycle arrest in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, a model for studying neuronal differentiation, are able to differentiate into either cholinergic or dopaminergic/adrenergic phenotypes depending on media conditions. Using this system, we asked whether guanosine (Guo) or guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) are able to drive differentiation towards one particular phenotype. Differentiation was determined by evaluating the frequency of cells bearing neurites and assessing neurite length after exposure to different concentrations of Guo or GTP for different durations. After 6 days, 0.3 mM Guo or GTP induced a significant increase in the number of cells bearing neurites and increased neurite length. Western blot analyses confirmed that purines induced differentiation; cells exposed to purines showed increases in the levels of GAP43, MAP2, and tyrosine hydroxylase. Proliferation assays and cytofluorimetric analyses indicated a significant anti-proliferative effect of purines, and a concentration-dependent accumulation of cells in S-phase, starting after 24 h of purine exposure and extending for up to 6 days. A transcriptional profile analysis using gene arrays showed that an up-regulation of cyclin E2/cdk2 evident after 24 h was responsible for S-phase entry, and a concurrent down-regulation of cell-cycle progression-promoting cyclin B1/B2 prevented S-phase exit. In addition, patch-clamp recordings revealed that 0.3 mM Guo or GTP, after 6 day incubation, significantly decreased Na(+) currents. In conclusion, we showed Guo- and GTP-induced cell-cycle arrest in neuroblastoma cells and suggest that this makes these cells more responsive to differentiation processes that favor the dopaminergic/adrenergic phenotype.

Chronic and Acute Alcohol Exposure Prevents Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells from Differentiating and Maturing

Increasing evidence suggests that alcohol abuse may be linked to adverse immunomodulatory effects on immune responses. Our study was undertaken to clarify the immunological consequences of chronic and acute alcohol exposure on differentiation and maturation of human dendritic cells (DCs). Using immunochemical and cytofluorimetric analysis we determined the phenotype and functions of monocyte-derived DCs from alcoholics and healthy subjects and analyzed their ability to respond to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of ethanol (EtOH) exposure. Our results showed that alcoholics' monocytes differentiated to immature DCs with altered phenotype and functions (alc-iDCs). Alc-iDCs showed fewer CD1a+ cells, weaker CD86 expression and higher HLA-DR expression associated with lower endocytosis and allostimulatory functions than iDCs from healthy subjects (control-iDCs). Despite these impairments, alc-iDCs produced TNF-α and IL-6 in large amounts. LPS stimulation failed to induce full phenotypical and functional alc-iDC maturation. In vitro acute EtOH exposure also prevented alc-iDCs and control-iDCs from maturing in response to LPS. T-cell priming experiments showed that EtOH treatment prevented LPS-stimulated control-iDCs from priming and polarizing naïve allogeneic T cells into Th1 cells, thus favouring a predominant Th2 environment. Collectively, our results provide evidence that chronic and acute alcohol exposure prevents DCs from differentiating and maturing in response to a microbial stimulus.

Hydration of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions in solution and the concept of structure maker/breaker

Neutron diffraction data with hydrogen isotope substitution on aqueous solutions of NaCl and KCl at concentrations ranging from high dilution to near-saturation are analyzed using the Empirical Potential Structure Refinement technique. Information on both the ion hydration shells and the microscopic structure of the solvent is extracted. Apart from obvious effects due to the different radii of the three ions investigated, it is found that water molecules in the hydration shell of K+ are orientationally more disordered than those hydrating a Na+ ion and are inclined to orient their dipole moments tangentially to the hydration sphere. Cl- ions form instead hydrogen-bonded bridges with water molecules and are readily accommodated into the H-bond network of water. The results are used to show that concepts such as structure maker/breaker, largely based on thermodynamic data, are not helpful in understanding how these ions interact with water at the molecular level.

Perturbation of water structure due to monovalent ions in solution

The ion induced modification to the tetrahedral structure of water is a topic of much current interest. We address this question by interpreting neutron diffraction data from monovalent ionic solutions of NaCl and KCl using a computer assisted structural modeling technique. We investigate the effect that these ions have on the water-water O-O, O-H and H-H radial distribution functions as a function of ionic concentration. It is found that the O-H and H-H functions are only marginally affected by ionic composition, signaling that hydrogen bonding between water molecules remains largely intact, even at the highest concentrations. On the other hand the O-O functions are strongly modified by the ions. In particular the position of the second peak in g(OO)(r), is found to move inwards with increasing salt concentration, in a manner closely analogous to what happens in pure water under pressure. Furthermore by recalculating g(OO)(r) after excluding all the water molecules in the first hydration shell of each ion, we show that this structural perturbation exists outside the first hydration shell of the ions.

ERYTHROCYTE THIAMINE (Th) ESTERS: A MAJOR FACTOR OF THE ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME OR A CANDIDATE MARKER FOR ALCOHOLISM ITSELF?

AIMS

Thiamine (Th) deficiency is a major problem in alcoholics. In this study, the relationship of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) to Th and its esters, as well as the diagnostic power of Th and its esters were investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Th and its esters were assessed in a series of chronic alcoholics (and in controls) using an improved method.

RESULTS

No association was found between AWS severity and Th and its esters, while the diagnostic power of thiamine diphosphate (TDP) and Th was very high. TDP was the most significant among the parameters under study, confirming that erythrocyte TDP is a suitable marker of alcoholism: TDP sensitivity across subjects was 84.1%, specificity 85.4%, positive predictive value 82.4%, and negative predictive value 88.0%.

Vasopressin excitatory action on smooth muscle from human renal calyx and pelvis

The motor response to vasopressin, a neuropeptide promoting the reabsorption of water, was isometrically investigated in vitro in human renal calyces and pelvis in relation to possible modulation of urinary flow by these tubular structures. Kidneys were obtained from nine male patients who underwent nephrectomy for either renal or ureteral cancer. Minor calyces and pelvis were carefully removed. Strips (10 mm x 3 mm) were cut from infundibular region of minor calyces and from renal pelvis and placed in 10 ml organ bath for isometric tension recordings. Calyceal and pelvic smooth muscle strips exhibited spontaneous phasic contractions which occurred with regular frequency and amplitude. Vasopressin induced a dose-dependent [10(-10) to 10(-6) M] enhancement of basal tone (P <0.01) and a decrease of spontaneous contractions on isolated strips from minor calyces and pelvis. The effect of vasopressin was inhibited by prior administration of D(CH2)5Tyr(Me)2-Arg8-Vasopressin antagonist [10(-7) M]. The excitatory response to vasopressin was Tetrodotoxin [TTX]-resistant and was not affected by pre-treatment with phentolamine [10(-5) M], atropine [10(-5) M], and hexamethonium [10(-5) M]. After incubation of the specimens in Ca2+-free medium containing EGTA [0.5 mM] or after treatment with nifedipine [10(-5) M], both spontaneous and vasopressin-induced contractions [10(-10) to 10(-6) M] were completely inhibited in all specimens. Our results can be interpreted to imply that the tonic contractions induced by vasopressin facilitate the reabsorption of water by increasing the hydraulic resistance of the tubular structures below collecting ducts.

Functional role of inducible nitric oxide synthase on mouse colonic motility

A possible functional role of inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was explored in vitro on the motility of mouse distal colon. Using an isotonic - non-isovolumic technique, peristaltic activity and video images of the external wall of colonic segments were recorded before and after addition to the medium of Aminoguanidine (AG) and N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl) acetamidine (W1400) [10(-7) M-10(-4) M], two iNOS inhibitors. AG and W1400 induced an hyperexcitability of visceral smooth muscle characterised by an increase of basal tone and spontaneous phasic activity. As a consequence of these effects, the peristaltic activity declined and disappeared at the highest concentrations. These findings indicated a removal of inhibitory action performed by NO synthesised by iNOS in the colonic segment. The implications of results are discussed in term of tonic relaxation of intestinal smooth muscle to allow intraluminal content accommodation.

Inhibition of peristaltic activity by cannabinoids in the isolated distal colon of mouse

The effects of the cannabinoid receptor agonist Win 55,212-2 and of the competitive cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR 141716A on the electrically-evoked peristalsis of isolated distal colon of mouse were studied. Intraluminal pressure, longitudinal displacement, ejected fluid volume and changes in morphology of external intestinal wall were simultaneously recorded in the pre-drug period and in presence of Win 55,212-2 alone or in combination with SR 141716A. In the pre-drug period (control), peristaltic activity was characterised by regular, monophasic waves and the intraluminal content propelled towards anterograde (oro-aboral) direction with a propulsion velocity of 1.25 +/- 0.1 mm x s(-1). Pressure and shortening waves showed a peak amplitude of 2.44 +/- 0.32 kPa and 1.8 +/- 0.72 mm, respectively. The mean amount of fluid volume ejected during each contraction was 80 +/- 12.6 microl. The addition of Win 55,212-2 [10(-7)-10(-4) M] to the organ bath determined a dose-related attenuation of peristaltic activity consequent to the decrease of circular and longitudinal muscle strength. The decrease of contractile activity was followed by dose-dependent decrease of the amount of fluid ejected during peristalsis. The effects of Win 55,212-2 [10(-7)-10(-5) M] were prevented by SR 141716A, indicating the presence of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the mouse distal colon. SR 141716A alone enhanced both tonic and phasic motor activities in the colonic longitudinal smooth muscle, suggesting that CB1 receptor antagonists could act either through antagonising the effect of endogenous CB1 receptor agonist or by an agonist effect on these receptors. The present results further support the hypothesis that cannabinoids perform a neuromodulatory role in various tracts of gastrointestinal system and first demonstrate their action also in the distal colon of rodents.

Long-term voluntary ethanol consumption induces impairment of the mechanical performance in the papillary muscle of Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats

The effects of chronic (26 weeks) ethanol consumption on cardiac muscle contractility in Sardinian alcohol-preferring drinkers (sP-D) and Sardinian alcohol-preferring naive (sP-N) rats were investigated. Experiments were carried out 1 week after ethanol administration ceased. Length-tension and force-frequency responses in left ventricular papillary muscles from both sP-D and sP-N rats were recorded in vitro. Papillary muscles were gradually stretched in steps of 5% of the reference (initial) length (L(r)) from 100 to 130% L(r). In sP-D rats, length-tension relationships showed a significant reduction in active tension: at optimal length for maximum active tension (130% L(r)), the developed force value (1.38 +/- 0.36 mN/mg, dry tissue) was 54% lower than that found in sP-N rats (3.16 +/- 0.6 mN/mg, dry tissue). In sP-D papillary muscles, a decrease in contractile behaviour was also observed in force-frequency responses (0.03-120 pulse/min), when compared with sP-N rats; developed force was found to be reduced by about 2.5 times. These results indicate that long-term ethanol consumption impairs the mechanical performance of sP papillary muscle, inducing a negative inotropic effect.

Human ejaculatory duct: parameters of smooth muscle motor activity and modulatory role of autonomic drugs

The contractile behaviour and effects of several autonomic drugs on the motor activity of human isolated ejaculatory ducts were investigated. Ejaculatory ducts exhibited spontaneous contractions characterised by an amplitude of 2.35 +/- 0.28 mN, a duration of 62. 9 +/- 3.72 s and a frequency of 0.64 +/- 0.014 waves min-1. Acetylcholine (10-5-10-4 m) induced a slight increase in basal tone and in the frequency of the contraction waves. These effects were suppressed by atropine (10-4 m). Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) increased the basal tone and frequency of spontaneous contractions in a dose-dependent manner. These responses were competitively inhibited by HEAT, a selective a1-adrenoceptor antagonist. These preliminary functional findings, indicating the presence of spontaneous motor activity of human ejaculatory ducts and its possible control by adrenergic agonists, suggests a physiological role for human ejaculatory duct in the propulsion of semen from the seminal vesicle towards the urethra.

Differential expression and regulation of toll-like receptors (TLR) in human leukocytes: selective expression of TLR3 in dendritic cells

Members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family probably play a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity. The present study used a systematic approach to analyze how different human leukocyte populations express specific transcripts for the first five characterized TLR family members. TLR1 was expressed in all leukocytes examined, including monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, T and B cells, and NK cells. In contrast TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 were expressed in myelomonocytic elements. Exposure to bacterial products, such as LPS or lipoarabinomannan, or to proinflammatory cytokines increased TLR4 expression in monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, whereas IL-10 blocked this effect. TLR3 was only expressed in human dendritic cells (DC) wherein maturation induced by bacterial products or cytokines was associated with reduced expression. TLR3 mRNA expression was detected by in situ hybridization in DC and lymph nodes. These results demonstrate that TLR1 through TLR5 mRNAs are differentially expressed and regulated in human leukocytes. In particular, expression of TLR3 transcripts is restricted to DC that are the only elements which express the full TLR repertoire. These data suggest that TLR can be classified based on expression pattern as ubiquitous (TLR1), restricted (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 in myelomonocytic cells), and specific (TLR3 in DC) molecules.

Biphasic effects of NMDA on the motility of the rat portal vein

The effect of NMDA on the motility of the rat portal vein was studied in an isolated preparation. NMDA induced a concentration-dependent (10(-7) - 10(-4) M) increase of the contraction frequency (maximum increase, 148+/-6% of control at NMDA 10(-4) M). The NMDA-induced excitatory response was prevented by the competitive NMDA receptor antagonists (+/-)-2-Amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5, 5x10(-4) M) or (RS)-3-(2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl) propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP, 10(-4) M). Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 10(-6) M) or atropine (10(-4) M) abolished the NMDA-induced increase of the portal vein motility and reversed the excitatory effect to a concentration-dependent inhibition (maximum inhibition, 52+/-8 and 29+/-7% of controls, respectively, at NMDA 10(-3) M). Removal of the endothelium abolished the NMDA-induced inhibitory response. Sodium nitroprusside concentration-dependently (10(-7) - 10(-5) M) inhibited the portal vein motility, while L-N(G)-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10(-4) M) reversed the inhibitory effect of NMDA (in the presence of TTX), restoring the portal vein spontaneous activity to control values. These results show that NMDA modulates the portal vein motility in a biphasic manner: via indirect activation, through prejunctional NMDA receptors presumably located on intrinsic excitatory neuronal afferences, or via direct inhibition, through endothelial NMDA receptors activating the nitric oxide pathway. Overall these findings support the hypothesis of the existence of a peripheral glutamatergic innervation modulating the contractile activity of the rat portal vein. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 129, 156 - 162

Simple and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography fluorimetric procedure for the determination of amphetamine-derived designer drugs

The paper describes a HPLC-fluorimetric procedure for the determination of methylenedioxyamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylenedioxyethamphetamine and N-methyl-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-butanamine in urine, serum, saliva and street samples, that features interesting advantages over other procedures previously described. The method requires a very small sample volume (100 microl) and no extraction, lacks matrix effect, and is not time consuming. Linearity was in the range 50-1000 ng/ml regardless of matrix. Sensitivity and detection limit were 50 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, respectively, but they may reach 10 ng/ml and 2 ng/ml if a slight modification is introduced in the procedure. Intra- and inter-day precision were always within 5% and 8%, respectively. Recovery was satisfactory for all matrices. The described procedure could be successfully used for clinical, epidemiological and forensic applications.

Mechanical properties of smooth muscle portal vein in normal and dystrophin-deficient (mdx) mice

Mechanical properties of the vascular smooth muscle from normal and dystrophin-deficient (mdx) mice were examined. Changes in resting and developed tensions in response to stretch were recorded in isolated portal vein. The vascular segments were elongated in 5 % increments of the 'in situ' length (Lr) up to 1.30Lr. The resting length-tension curves in male mdxmice were similar to normal mice, while a marked decrease in the slope of the curve was noted in female mdx mice. These findings were not affected by atropine, phentolamine, tetrodotoxin or [Ca2+] in the surrounding media. At Lr, the tension of isolated portal vein was characterized by spontaneous synchronized uniform force waves in normal mouse. In contrast, in mdxmouse portal veins an irregular motor pattern characterized by desynchronized force waves with a decrease of amplitude and an increase in frequency was recorded. Extension of the length of the portal vein segment did not increase the spontaneous phasic activity developed in female mdx mice although this was noted with male mdx mice and normal mice. Experiments with chemical depolarizing agents indicated that spontaneous myogenic excitation activated the great majority of vascular smooth muscle cells in normal mouse portal vein, whereas in mdx mice only a reduced number of these cells were excited suggesting that in the mdx mouse the intercellular electronic coupling is altered. In conclusion this study provides the first description of the mechanical activities of portal vein longitudinal muscle and shows that in mdx mice the motor activity is severely disrupted.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide activates nuclear factor-kappaB through interleukin-1 signaling mediators in cultured human dermal endothelial cells and mononuclear phagocytes

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated immune responses, including activation of monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells, play an important role in the pathogenesis of Gram-negative bacteria-induced sepsis syndrome. Activation of NF-kappaB is thought to be required for cytokine release from LPS-responsive cells, a critical step for endotoxic effects. Here we investigated the role and involvement of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) signal transducer molecules in LPS signaling in human dermal microvessel endothelial cells (HDMEC) and THP-1 monocytic cells. LPS stimulation of HDMEC and THP-1 cells initiated an IL-1 receptor-like NF-kappaB signaling cascade. In transient cotransfection experiments, dominant negative mutants of the IL-1 signaling pathway, including MyD88, IRAK, IRAK2, and TRAF6 inhibited both IL-1- and LPS-induced NF-kappaB-luciferase activity. LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation was not inhibited by a dominant negative mutant of TRAF2 that is involved in TNF signaling. LPS-induced activation of NF-kappaB-responsive reporter gene was not inhibited by IL-1 receptor antagonist. TLR2 and TLR4 were expressed on the cell surface of HDMEC and THP-1 cells. These findings suggest that a signal transduction molecule in the LPS receptor complex may belong to the IL-1 receptor/toll-like receptor (TLR) super family, and the LPS signaling cascade uses an analogous molecular framework for signaling as IL-1 in mononuclear phagocytes and endothelial cells.

Chronic ethanol consumption induces hypomotility in the portal vein of Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats

In order to study the physiopathological effects of chronic ethanol intake on the smooth muscle of the vascular system, we have assessed the length-tension relationship in isolated portal veins of Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats. Significant differences in motor performance were found between sP naive and sP rats exposed to ethanol consumption (12% w/v) for 48 weeks. Isolated portal veins of sP rats which consumed ethanol chronically showed a marked decrease of spontaneous and KCl-induced contraction waves when compared to sP naive rats. At optimum length (140% Lr) for maximal contractile performance, the mean amplitude wave in the portal veins of sP drinker rats was about five times less than in sP naive veins. Furthermore, in the veins of sP drinkers, the active curve showed lower values of tension at each elongation of the vascular segment, the maximum value of active tension (7.32 +/- 0.54 mN) represented a reduction in amplitude of about 32% with respect to sP naive veins. These results indicate that long-term ethanol consumption impairs portal vein motility.

Validation of assays for use with combination vaccines

A general methodology is presented for the validation of assays used for testing combination vaccines. The presentation is detailed and technical as our intention is to address challenges that we have encountered in the design and statistical analysis of assay validation studies. There are several noteworthy features which render the approach particularly useful in practice. It employs a statistical experimental design approach to the investigation of assay ruggedness with respect to manufacturing variability; it makes use of the assay variability results to determine the level of test-run replication necessary to achieve precision compatible with the product specifications; and, it provides a generic approach to assay validation. With combination vaccines, as with other pharmaceuticals, the analytical methods for release and stability must be validated early in the development programme Several things, though, distinguish this task with combination vaccines: (1) assays are typically pre-existing and often have been validated for use with an established sample matrix, e.g. a monovalent formulation; (2) sample matrices are complex and therefore more subject to manufacturing variability and more likely to cause assay interferences; and (3) the analytical workload is considerable due to the number of antigens. The methodology presented here was developed jointly by Merck Research Laboratories (West Point, PA) and Pasteur Mérieux Connaught, Inc. (Swiftwater, PA). Many of the issues discussed here have application outside of combination vaccines and are common features of all assay validations.