Climate Change Impacts Can Be Differentially Perceived Across Time Scales: A Study Among the Tuareg of the Algerian Sahara

As an Indigenous community of Algeria and the broader Sahel, the Tuareg hold unique ecological knowledge, which might contribute to broader models of place-based climate change impacts. Between January and April 2019, we carried out semi-structured interviews (N = 23) and focus group discussions (N = 3) in five villages of the province of Illizi, Algeria, to document the local Tuareg community's timeline and ecological calendar, both of which are instruments used to understand place-based reports of climate change impacts. The livelihoods of the Tuareg of Illizi are finely tuned to climate variability as reflected in changes reported in the cadence of events in their ecological calendar (marked by cyclical climatic and religious events). Participants reported rain and temperature irregularities and severe drought events, which have impacted their pastoral and semi-pastoral livelihoods. These reports are aligned with scientifically measured climate observations and predictions. Paradoxically, although participants recall with detail the climatic disasters that happened in the region over the last century, the Tuareg do not explicitly report decadal trends in the frequency of extreme events. The differential perception of climate change impacts across scales can have important implications for undertaking climate change adaptation measures.

Non-Pigmented Ciliary Epithelium-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Loaded with SMAD7 siRNA Attenuate Wnt Signaling in Trabecular Meshwork Cells In Vitro

Primary open-angle glaucoma is established by the disruption of trabecular meshwork (TM) function. The disruption leads to increased resistance to the aqueous humor (AH), generated by the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium (NPCE). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in the communication between the NPCE and the TM tissue in the ocular drainage system. The potential use of NPCE-derived EVs to deliver siRNA to TM cells has scarcely been explored. NPCE-derived EVs were isolated and loaded with anti-fibrotic (SMAD7) siRNA. EV’s structural integrity and siRNA loading efficiency were estimated via electron microscopy and fluorescence. Engineered EVs were added to pre-cultured TM cells and qRT-PCR was used to verify the transfer of selected siRNA to the cells. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the qualitative effects on Wnt-TGFβ2 proteins’ expression. EVs loaded with exogenous siRNA achieved a 53% mRNA knockdown of SMAD7 in TM cells, resulting in a significant elevation in the levels of β-Catenin, pGSK3β, N-Cadherin, K-Cadherin, and TGFβ2 proteins in TM cells. NPCE-derived EVs can be used for efficient siRNA molecule delivery into TM cells, which may prove to be beneficial as a therapeutic target to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).

Trabecular meshwork's collagen network formation is inhibited by non-pigmented ciliary epithelium-derived extracellular vesicles

The present research aims to determine whether the application of non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium cells derived extracellular vesicles to human trabecular meshwork cells affects the formation and secretion of collagen type I to the extracellular matrix formation. Following the extraction of non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium derived extracellular vesicles by a precipitation method, their size and concentration were determined using tunable resistive pulse sensing technology. Extracellular vesicles were incubated with trabecular meshwork cells for 3 days. Morphological changes of collagen type I in the extracellular matrix of trabecular meshwork cells were visualized using confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A Sirius Red assay was used to determine the total amount of collagen. Finally, collagen type I expression levels in the extracellular matrix of trabecular meshwork cells were quantified by cell western analysis. We found that non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium extracellular vesicles were very effective at preventing collagen fibres formation by the trabecular meshwork cells, and their secretion to the extracellular matrix was significantly reduced (P < .001). Morphological changes in the extracellular matrix of trabecular meshwork cells were observed. Our study indicates that non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium extracellular vesicles can be used to control collagen type I fibrillogenesis in trabecular meshwork cells. These fibrils net‐like structure is responsible for remodelling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, we suggest that targeting collagen type I fibril assembly may be a viable treatment for primary open‐angle glaucoma abnormal matrix deposition of the extracellular matrix.

Crosstalk between MicroRNA and Oxidative Stress in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a chronic neurodegenerative disease that damages the trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, inducing apoptosis of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC), deteriorating the optic nerve head, and leading to blindness. Aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation contribute to disease progression. Nevertheless, despite the existence of pharmacological and surgical treatments, there is room for the development of additional treatment approaches. The following review is aimed at investigating the role of different microRNAs (miRNAs) in the expression of genes and proteins involved in the regulation of inflammatory and degenerative processes, focusing on the delicate balance of synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) regulated by chronic oxidative stress in POAG related tissues. The neutralizing activity of a couple of miRNAs was described, suggesting effective downregulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2), Wnt/β-Catenin, and PI3K/AKT. In addition, with regards to the elevated IOP in many POAG patients due to increased outflow resistance, Collagen type I degradation was stimulated by some miRNAs and prevented ECM deposition in TM cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction as a consequence of oxidative stress was suppressed following exposure to different miRNAs. In contrast, increased oxidative damage by inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway was described as part of the action of selected miRNAs. Summarizing, specific miRNAs may be promising therapeutic targets for lowering or preventing oxidative stress injury in POAG patients.

Influence of Anti-Glaucoma Drugs on Uptake of Extracellular Vesicles by Trabecular Meshwork Cells

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are capable of manipulating cellular functions for the maintenance of biological homeostasis and disease progression, such as in glaucoma disease. These nano-particles carry a net negative surface charge under physiological conditions that can contribute to EVs:EVs interaction and their uptake by target cells.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of glaucoma drugs on EVs physicochemical characters and the implications for their uptake by trabecular meshwork (TM) cells.

Methods

TM or non-pigmented ciliary epithelium (NPCE) cells derived EVs were incubated with commercial anti-glaucoma formulation, Timolol maleate, Brinzolamide or Benzalkonium Cl and their size and zeta potential (ZP) and physical interactions of EVs derived from NPCE cells and TM cells were evaluated. The contribution of EVs interactions to up-take by TM cells was examined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

Results

EVs size and ZP were affected by the ionic strength of the buffer rather than EVs type. Commercial glaucoma eye drops, including β-blocker, α-2-agonist and prostaglandin analogs, reduced NPCE EVs ZP, whereas exposure of EVs to carbonic anhydrase inhibitor caused an increase in the ZP. A correlation was found between increased ZP values and increased NPCE EVs uptake by TM cells. We were able to show that Benzalkonium chloride stands behind this ZP effect and not Timolol or Brinzolamide.

Conclusion

Altogether, our findings demonstrate that EVs size, surface membrane charge, and ionic strength of the surrounding have an impact on EVs:EVs interactions, which affect the uptake of NPCE EVs by TM cells.

Non-pigmented ciliary epithelium derived extracellular vesicles uptake mechanism by the trabecular meshwork

Consistent with increasing findings, extracellular vesicles (EVs), consider as a major constituents of the aqueous humor, have a role as signaling mediators in glaucoma. Following secretion, EVs hold immense promise for utilization as bio-therapeutics and drug delivery vehicles due to their nature as biological nanoparticles that facilitate intercellular molecular transport. Yet, the specific pathway utilizing for transferring signals by EVs in the ocular drainage system is not fully understood. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine internalization mechanisms by which Non-Pigmented Ciliary Epithelium (NPCE)-derived EVs deliver their signals to the Trabecular Meshwork (TM) cells. EVs were isolated and size and concentration were determined. Internalization study of treated EVs with Proteinase-K to achieve removal of surface membrane proteins on EVs was conducted. Energy dependent uptake mechanism was examined under various temperatures. Using uptake inhibitors endocytosis, phagocytosis, and Wnt-TGFβ2 signaling were investigated. TM cells exposed to NPCE EVs demonstrate a significant decrease in the levels of two proteins in two Wnt-TGFb2 signaling proteins levels: p-GSK3β and β-catenin. A significant decrease in the uptake by TM cells of Proteinase-K-treated EVs was found, followed by attenuation of the Wnt-TGFβ2 proteins expression. Energy dependent uptake revealed a significant decrease in EVs internalization. The exposure of TM cells to endocytosis uptake inhibitors abolished the decrease of the Wnt-TGFβ2 proteins levels. Exposure to phagocytosis uptake inhibitor resulted in a partial inhibition of NPCE EVs effect in TM cells. The attenuation of proteins expression levels following uptake inhibitors treatment or EVs membrane proteins removal indicates that Wnt-TGFβ2 signaling in TM cells is mediated through NPCE EVs surface proteins in an active manner that involves endocytosis-dependent routes.

Extracellular vesicles have variable dose-dependent effects on cultured draining cells in the eye

The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as signal mediators has been described in many biological fields. How many EVs are needed to deliver the desired physiological signal is yet unclear. Using a normal trabecular meshwork (NTM) cell culture exposed to non-pigmented ciliary epithelium (NPCE)-derived EVs, a relevant model for studying the human ocular drainage system, we addressed the EVs dose-response effects on the Wnt signaling. The objective of the study was to investigate the dosing effects of NPCE-derived EVs on TM Wnt signaling. EVs were isolated by PEG 8000 method from NPCE and RPE cells (used as controls) conditioned media. Concentrations were determined by Tunable Resistive Pulse Sensing method. Various exosomes concentration were incubated with TM cells, for the determination of mRNA (β-Catenin, Axin2 and LEF1) and protein (β-Catenin, GSK-3β) expression using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. Exposure of NTM cells for 8 hrs to low EVs concentrations was associated with a significant decreased expression of β-Catenin, GSK-3β, as opposed to exposure to high exosomal concentrations. Pro-MMP9 and MMP9 activities were significantly enhanced in NTM cells treated with high EV concentrations of (X10) as compared to low EV concentrations of either NPCE- or RPE-derived EVs and to untreated control. Our data support the concept that EVs biological effects are concentration-dependent at their target site. Specifically in the present study, we described a general dose-response at the gene and MMPs activity and a different dose-response regarding key canonical Wnt proteins expression.

Physical exosome:exosome interactions

Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles that mediate a number of cellular processes, including intracellular signalling. There are many published examples of exosome-exosome dimers; however, their relevance has not been explored. Here, we propose that cells release exosomes to physically interact with incoming exosomes, forming dimers that we hypothesize attenuate incoming exosome-mediated signalling. We discuss experiments to test this hypothesis and potential relevance in health and disease.

Effects of diosmine-hesperidine on experimental colonic anastomosis

AIM

Our goal was to determine the effects of a diosmine-hesperidine combination on wound healing in a rat model of colonic anastomosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 20 Wistar Albino female rats were randomized into four experimental groups containing five rats in each group. A segment of 1 cm of colon was excised 4 cm proximally to the peritoneal reflection in all rats without carrying out any mechanical or antibacterial bowel preparation. Colonic anastomosis was performed with interrupted, inverting sutures of 6/0 polypropylene. Beginning from the first postoperative day, the rats in Groups II and IV received 100 mg/kg per day of diosmine-hesperidine via orogastic route by 4F fine feeding catheter.

RESULTS

A significant difference was detected between groups in terms of their hydroxyproline levels (p<0.05); the hydroxyproline level of Group I was significantly lower than that of the other groups while no significant difference was noted between Groups II and III.

CONCLUSION

The administration of diosmine-hesperidine increased the amount of collagen and bursting pressures at the anastomotic site and thus had favorable influences on the healing of colonic anastomosis (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 33).

MicroRNA-based assay for differential diagnosis of mesothelioma

e22079

Background: Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive pleural neoplasm, strongly linked to environmental exposures such as asbestos. Mesothelioma can be difficult to differentiate from other tumors in the lung or pleura such as primary lung adenocarcinoma presenting with pleural effusion or metastatic adenocarcinoma from extrathoracic sites. We addressed the increasing need for accurate differential diagnosis of these tumors by developing a diagnostic assay based on expression levels of microRNAs, a family of small, non-coding RNAs whose tissue-specificity has proven applicability for identification of cancer tissue type and histology. Methods: We developed protocols for extraction of high-quality RNA that retain the microRNA fraction from FFPE tissue samples. Microarrays were used for initial profiling. qRT-PCR was used to validate results and to develop a diagnostic assay. Results: We identified microRNAs that are differentially expressed between mesothelioma, lung adenocarcinoma, and other confounding tumor types. A diagnostic assay (miRview™ meso) was developed, that utilizes qRT-PCR measurement of a small set of microRNAs to differentiate between mesothelioma and non-mesothelioma samples. After establishing this profile in more than 30 mesotheliomas and 200 samples of confounding tumors, the microRNA biomarkers were measured using a standardized protocol on a blinded test set. The assay had accuracy greater than 90% in differentiating mesothelioma from other confounding tumor types. More than ¾ of samples were classified with high confidence, and these samples were all correctly identified. Conclusions: MicroRNAs are emerging as effective cancer biomarkers. A robust and simple assay based on the expression level of a few microRNA biomarkers can accurately differentiate mesothelioma from other possible tumors in the lung and pleura. This assay provides an important new tool for diagnosing mesothelioma.

[Table: see text]

Digestion of so-called resistant starch sources in the human small intestine

BACKGROUND

Resistant starch sources, which are only partially digested in the small intestine, can be used to increase colonic availability of short-chain fatty acids.

OBJECTIVE

To study the characteristics of the fermentation of resistant starch, the digestion of resistant starch in the small intestine has to be quantified. We compared the metabolic fates of highly digestible cornstarch (DCS), Hylon VII (type 2 resistant starch), and Novelose 330 (type 3 resistant starch), which are of corn origin and, therefore, naturally enriched in (13)C.

DESIGN

After administration of 40 g starch or glucose to 7 healthy volunteers, glucose and exogenous glucose concentrations in serum and (13)CO(2) excretion in breath were analyzed for 6 h. (13)C abundance in carbon dioxide was analyzed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and (13)C abundance in glucose by gas chromatography-combustion IRMS.

RESULTS

By comparing the area under the curve (2 h) of exogenous glucose concentration in serum ((13)C glycemic index) after intake of starch or glucose, (13)C glycemic indexes for DCS, Hylon VII, and Novelose 330 were calculated to be 82 +/- 23%, 44 +/- 16%, and 43 +/- 15%, respectively. Comparison of 6-h cumulative percentage dose recovery in breath showed that 119 +/- 28% of DCS, 55 +/- 23% of Hylon VII, and 50 +/- 26% of Novelose 330 was digested in the small intestine.

CONCLUSION

The exogenous glucose response in serum and the (13)CO(2) excretion in breath can be used to estimate small intestinal digestion of resistant starch, which amounts to approximately 50%.

Gain and delay of human vestibulo-ocular reflexes to oscillation and steps of the head by a reactive torque helmet. II. Vestibular-deficient subjects

Vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VOR) were evaluated with a reactive torque helmet that imposed high-frequency oscillation (2-20 Hz) or step displacements of the head in the horizontal plane. The present paper describes the results in patients with vestibular deficiencies (labyrinthine defective; LD); experimental and analytical techniques and results for normal subjects were described in Part 1 of this paper. The patient groups included: total unilateral LD (related to acoustic neuroma; n = 40); severe (clinically total) bilateral LD (n = 7); bilateral hyporeflexia (n = 14); unilateral hyporeflexia (n = 11); and patients with LD phenomena that had subsided (n = 3). Helmet-induced head steps provided the most specific information. Characteristically, gain was lowered in one direction or both directions after unilateral or bilateral vestibular lesions, respectively; in general, the magnitude of the gain reduction correlated well with the degree of complaints and disability. Surprisingly, delay was systematically prolonged (up to several tens of milliseconds) in all groups of subjects with manifest vestibular pathology. These results suggest that the determination of delay, in addition to gain of the VOR, is feasible and important in the evaluation of vestibular function. The results of head oscillation generally supported the results for steps, but were somewhat less specific. The responses to manually generated head steps roughly agreed with those to helmet-induced steps, but because of the non-uniform acceleration they allowed a less exact analysis of VOR function.

Gain and delay of human vestibulo-ocular reflexes to oscillation and steps of the head by a reactive torque helmet. I. Normal subjects

Vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VOR) were evaluated with a reactive torque helmet that imposed high-frequency oscillation (2-20 Hz) or step displacements of the head in the horizontal plane. The present paper describes the experimental and analytical techniques and the results for normal subjects, which will serve as a baseline for the evaluation of vestibular pathology. For comparison, manually controlled head steps were also applied, as described in the literature. Eye and head movements were recorded with magnetic search coils. Non-vestibular effects were avoided by the use of high stimulus frequencies and the analysis of short time-windows (< 100 msec) after steps. Helmet-imposed steps caused a virtually uniform head acceleration (average magnitude 770 degrees/sec) in the first 90 msec. This resulted in a linear relation between eye and head velocities; the gain and delay of the VOR could be calculated independently from the slope and offset of this relation. Such estimates appear more reliable than those obtained with conventional techniques. Normal subjects had a VOR gain of about 0.9 and a delay of about 5 msec. The results of sinusoidal head oscillation were in agreement with the results for steps. The responses to manually generated head steps agreed in general with those to helmet-induced steps, but because of the non-uniform acceleration they allowed a less exact analysis of function.

Deviation of the subjective vertical in long-standing unilateral vestibular loss

We evaluated changes in the subjectively perceived gravitational vertical as an index of imbalance in the function of the right and left otolith organs. In addition to normal subjects (n = 25), we measured patients with a longstanding (mean 4.5 year +/- 3.2 SD; range 0.5-11.5 years) unilateral vestibular loss after surgery for acoustic neuroma (n = 32), patients with partial unilateral vestibular loss (n = 7) and patients with bilateral vestibular hyporeflexia (n = 8). Normal subjects could accurately align a vertical luminous bar to the gravitational vertical in an otherwise completely dark room (mean setting -0.14 degree +/- 1.11 SD). Patients with left-sided (complete; n = 13) or right-sided (complete; n = 19 and partial; n = 7) unilateral vestibular loss made mean angular settings at 2.55 degrees +/- 1.57 (SD) leftward and 2.22 degrees (+/-1.96 SD) rightward, respectively. These means differed highly significantly from the normal mean (p < 0.00001). In the time interval investigated (0.5-11.5 years) the magnitude of the tilt angle showed no correlation with the time elapsed since the operation. The mean setting by patients with clinically bilateral vestibular loss (-1.17 degrees +/- 1.96 SD; n = 8) did not significantly differ from the control group. The systematic tilts of the subjective vertical in patients with a unilateral vestibular impairment were correlated with their imbalance in canal-ocular reflexes, as reflected by drift during head-oscillation at 2 Hz (r2 = 0.44) and asymmetries in VOR-gain for head-steps (r2 = 0.48-0.67). These correlations were largely determined, by the signs of the asymmetries; correlation between the absolute values of the VOR gain asymmetries and subjective vertical angles proved to be virtually absent. We conclude that the setting of the subjective vertical is a very sensitive tool in detecting a left-right imbalance in otolith function, and that small but significant deviations towards the defective side may persist for many years (probably permanently) after unilateral lesions of the labyrinth or the vestibular nerve.

Identification, characterization, and molecular cloning of a homologue of the bacterial FtsH protease in chloroplasts of higher plants

In an attempt to identify and characterize chloroplast proteases, we performed an immunological analysis of chloroplasts using an antibody against Escherichia coli FtsH protease, which is an ATP-dependent metalloprotease bound to the cytoplasmic membrane. A cross-reacting protein of 78 kDa was found in the thylakoid membrane of spinach, but not in the soluble stromal fraction. Alkali and high salt washes, as well as trypsin treatment of thylakoid membranes, suggest that the chloroplastic FtsH protein is integral to the membrane, with its hydrophilic portion exposed to the stroma. The protein is not bound to any photosynthetic complex and is exclusively located in the stromally exposed regions of the thylakoid membrane. Its expression is dependent on light, as it is present in green pea seedlings, but absent from etiolated ones. An Arabidopsis cDNA was isolated, and the deduced amino acid sequence demonstrated high similarity to the E. coli FtsH protein, especially in the central region of the protein, containing the ATP- and zinc-binding sites. The product of this clone was capable of import into isolated pea chloroplasts, where it was processed to its mature form and targeted to the thylakoid membrane. The trans-bilayer orientation and lateral location of the FtsH protein in the thylakoid membrane suggest its involvement in the degradation of both soluble stromal proteins and newly inserted or turning-over thylakoid proteins.

Transcriptionally active haptoglobin-related (Hpr) gene in hepatoma G2 and leukemia molt-4 cells

The aim of the present study was to answer the question: Is the haptoglobin-related (Hpr) gene expressed in tumor cells? Our strategy of cloning the cDNA was to screen a human hepatoma G2 cDNA expression library in lambda gt11 using three different probes complementary to the coding strands of regions of the Hpr gene that contain codon changes permitting a discrimination from haptoglobin gene Hp1F. Among 8 x 10(5) recombinant phages screened, 2 hybridized to all three probes under stringent conditions. A 1.5 kb cDNA designated ST-1 was subcloned and sequenced. Almost total identity was found with the Hpr predicted exons 2-5, although exon 1 was missing. The ST-1 partial cDNA clone was used as a probe to screen a human leukemia molt-4 cDNA expression library in lambda gt11. Among 10(6) recombinant phages screened, 1 hybridized under stringent conditions. A 1.5 kb cDNA designated ST-2 was subcloned and sequenced. ST-1 and ST-2 cDNA were identical except for an insert of A at position 500 of ST-1 cDNA. Two different nucleotide changes were observed in the ST-1 and ST-2 sequences as compared with the expected Hpr cDNA sequence. An alternative processing of Hpr pre-mRNA was found in both cDNA clones that included 126 bp of the 3'-region of intron 1. This intronic sequence is thereby retained in the mature mRNA. cDNA analysis revealed an in-frame ATG in intron 1. Transcription/translation assay was used to demonstrate that the Hpr message could be translated from the internal methionine codon. We have thus shown for the first time that the Hpr gene is expressed in the human hepatoma G2 and leukemia molt-4 cell lines.

Modulation of the human vestibuloocular reflex during saccades: probing by high-frequency oscillation and torque pulses of the head

1. We probed the gain and phase of the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) during the execution of voluntary gaze saccades, with continuous oscillation or acceleration pulses, applied through a torque helmet. 2. Small-amplitude (< 1 degree), high-frequency (10-14 Hz) head oscillations in the horizontal or vertical plane were superimposed on ongoing horizontal gaze saccades (40-100 degrees). Torque pulses to the head ("with" or "against" gaze) were superimposed on 40 degrees horizontal saccades. Eye and head movements were precisely measured with sensor coils in magnetic fields. 3. Techniques were developed to separate the oscillatory (horizontal or vertical) component from the gaze shift and obtain VOR gain and phase with Fourier techniques from the relation between eye-in-head and head oscillations. These involved either subtraction of exactly matching saccades with and without oscillation (drawback: low yield) or time shifting of successive trials to synchronize the oscillations (drawback: slight time blurring of saccades). 4. The results of these matching and synchronization methods were essentially identical and consistent. Presaccadic gain values of the horizontal VOR (typically about unity) were reduced by, on average, approximately 20 and 50% during horizontal saccades of 40 and 100 degrees, respectively. These percentages may be truncated because of methodological limitations, but even after taking these into account (on the basis of simulation experiments with 2 different, theoretical profiles of suppression) our results do not support a complete saccadic VOR suppression for any substantial fraction of saccadic duration. Qualitatively similar changes were found when the vertical VOR was probed during 100 degrees horizontal saccades. 5. Concomitantly with the reductions in gain, VOR phase was advanced by approximately 20 degrees during the saccade. 6. In the wake of gaze saccades, VOR gain was consistently elevated (to approximately 1.0) above the presaccadic level (approximately 0.9). We submit that this mechanism ensures stable fixation of the newly acquired target at a time when the head is still moving substantially. 7. Although the responses to head torque pulses showed idiosyncratic asymmetries, analysis of the differences in eye and head movements for pulses with and against consistently showed a sharp fall of VOR gain at saccadic onset, following an approximately exponential course with a time constant of approximately 50 ms. This decay may be assumed to reflect VOR gain for a period of approximately 50 ms, after which secondary gaze control mechanisms become dominant. 8. The time course of the gain decay and phase shift of the VOR suggest that suppression of the "integrative (position) loop" of the VOR circuit was more complete than suppression of the direct, "velocity" pathway.

Immunological detection of proteins similar to bacterial proteases in higher plant chloroplasts

Despite numerous demonstrations of protein degradation in chloroplasts of higher plants, little is known about the identity of the proteases involved in these reactions. To identify chloroplast proteases by immunological means, we investigated two proteins: ClpP, a protein similar to the proteolytic subunit of the bacterial ATP-dependent Clp protease, for which a gene is found in the chloroplast genome [Maurizi, M.R., Clark, W.P., Kim, S. H. & Gottesman, S. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 12546-12552] and PrcA, a cyanobacterial Ca2+-stimulated protease [Maldener, I., Lockau, W., Cai, Y. & Wolk, P. (1991) Mol. & Gen. Genet. 225, 113-120]. We expressed the clpP gene from rice in Escherichia coli, purified its product, and generated antibodies against the product. Western blot analysis revealed the ClpP protein in different leaf extracts. Analysis of fractionated barley chloroplasts revealed that the protein was associated with the stromal fraction. The expression of ClpP is light independent and tissue specific, as it was found in green and etiolated barley leaves, but not in roots. A second protein, similar to the cyanobacterial protease PrcA, was also detected in chloroplasts. Antibody against this protease recognized proteins in various leaf extracts. When pea chloroplasts were fractionated, the antibody only recognized a stromal protein. The expression of this protein is regulated by light, as it was found in green leaves, but not in etiolated leaves. The tissue specificity of PrcA was similar to that of ClpP in that it could not be detected in root extracts.

Serum tumour markers in renal failure

In order to assess the clinical value of six tumour markers in pre-dialysis patients with chronic renal failure as well as in patients on regular haemodialysis, we studied these markers in 35 predialysis patients, 35 patients on chronic haemodialysis and 35 healthy controls. Serum squamous cell antigen (SCC), CA 19.9, and CA 125 levels were found to be elevated in the uraemic groups as compared to the normal controls. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha foetoprotein (AFP), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were within normal limits in all groups.

Evaluation of the human vestibulo-ocular reflex at high frequencies with a helmet, driven by reactive torque

A new technique was developed to test the VOR in humans. A tightly but comfortably fitting helmet was provided with an electronically controlled torque motor that rotated a mass around a vertical axis. Acceleration of the motor caused reactive torque of the helmet in the opposite direction which was transmitted to the (freely movable) head. Sinusoidal head oscillations in the frequency range 2-20 Hz (peak-to-peak amplitudes about 10 degrees and 0.1 degrees respectively) were easily achieved, as well as step displacements of the head with accelerations on the order of 1000 degrees/s2. Limitation of the maximum torque and lack of any rigid attachment of the head to a fixed structure made the technique safe and comfortable. Eye and head rotations were recorded, independently of head translations, with eye and head search coils in a homogeneous a.c. magnetic field. In normal subjects, gain was near unity at 2 Hz: above 8 Hz, gain increased progressively toward 1.1-1.3 at 20 Hz. Phase lag increased from a few degrees at 2 Hz to about 45 degrees at 20 Hz. Above 2 Hz, these results were unaffected by visual conditions; lower gains and increased phase lags were found in subjects with bilateral or unilateral vestibular loss. For step displacements, gain (measured in the first 100 ms) was near unity for normals, near zero after bilateral vestibular loss and strongly asymmetrical after unilateral vestibular loss. Thus, the technique seems highly effective in testing vestibular function with minimal contamination by other systems.

Human vestibulo-ocular responses to rapid, helmet-driven head movements

High-frequency head rotations in the 2-20 Hz range and passive, unpredictable head acceleration impulses were produced by a new technique, utilizing a helmet with a torque motor oscillating a mass. Unrestrained head and eye movements were recorded using magnetic sensor coils in a homogeneous magnetic field. In order to analyze the influence of the visual system on the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), we took measurements under three experimental conditions: (1) with a stationary visual target; (2) in total darkness with the subject imagining the stationary target; and (3) with a head-fixed target. The results in 15 healthy subjects were highly consistent. At 2 Hz, VOR gain was near unity; above 2 Hz, VOR gain started to decrease, but this trend reversed beyond 8 Hz, where the gain increased continuously up to 1.1-1.3 at 20 Hz. Phase lag increased with frequency, from a few deg at 2 Hz to about 45 degrees at 20 Hz. Above 2 Hz, VOR gain was not significantly different for the three experimental conditions. Head acceleration impulses produced a VOR with near-unity gain in both directions. We also tested three subjects with clinically total bilateral loss of labyrinthine functions. These labyrinthine-defective subjects showed, in comparison to the normal subjects, strikingly lower gains and much longer delays in the VOR during sinusoidal and step-like head movements. These results suggest that our new torque-driven helmet technique is effective, safe and convenient, enabling the assessment of the VOR at relatively high frequencies where both visual and mental influences are minimized.