Perinatal Stress, Brain Inflammation and Risk of Autism-Review and Proposal

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by varying deficits in social interactions, communication, and learning, as well as stereotypic behaviors. Despite the significant increase in ASD, there are few if any clues for its pathogenesis, hampering early detection or treatment. Premature babies are also more vulnerable to infections and inflammation leading to neurodevelopmental problems and higher risk of developing ASD. Many autism “susceptibility” genes have been identified, but “environmental” factors appear to play a significant role. Increasing evidence suggests that there are different ASD endophenotypes. Discussion: We review relevant literature suggesting in utero inflammation can lead to preterm labor, while insufficient development of the gut-blood–brain barriers could permit exposure to potential neurotoxins. This risk apparently may increase in parents with “allergic” or autoimmune problems during gestation, or if they had been exposed to stressors. The presence of circulating auto-antibodies against fetal brain proteins in mothers is associated with higher risk of autism and suggests disruption of the blood–brain-barrier (BBB). A number of papers have reported increased brain expression or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF, which is preformed in mast cells. Recent evidence also indicates increased serum levels of the pro-inflammatory mast cell trigger neurotensin (NT), and of extracellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is immunogenic. Gene mutations of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), the negative regulator of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), have been linked to higher risk of autism, but also to increased proliferation and function of mast cells. Summary: Premature birth and susceptibility genes may make infants more vulnerable to allergic, environmental, infectious, or stress-related triggers that could stimulate mast cell release of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic molecules, thus contributing to brain inflammation and ASD pathogenesis, at least in an endophenotype of ASD patients

The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a major destructive insect pest due to its broad host range, which includes hundreds of fruits and vegetables. It exhibits a unique ability to invade and adapt to ecological niches throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, though medfly infestations have been prevented and controlled by the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of integrated pest management programs (IPMs). The genetic analysis and manipulation of medfly has been subject to intensive study in an effort to improve SIT efficacy and other aspects of IPM control

Η έκθεση σε σεξουαλικό περιεχόμενο στα μέσα μαζικής ενημέρωσης και ο αντίκτυπος στη σεξουαλικότητα των εφήβων. Βιβλιογραφική Ανασκόπηση

Tο σεξουαλικό περιεχόμενο είναι ευρέως διαδεδομένο στα κύρια μέσα ενημέρωσης, από υπαινικτικά σχόλια/εικόνες έως σαφείς εικόνες και βίντεο. Η σεξουαλική συζήτηση φαίνεται να είναι πιο συχνή, ενώ είναι ελάχιστες οι αναφορές σε πιθανούς σεξουαλικούς κινδύνους, υπό την προοπτική μιας προσέγγισης πρόληψης. Από την άλλη πλευρά, οι έφηβοι προσπαθώντας να οικοδομήσουν την προσωπική τους ταυτότητα και κυρίως την σεξουαλική, πολύ συχνά γίνονται καταναλωτές, θεατές αλλά και οι ίδιοι δημιουργοί σεξουαλικού περιεχομένου στα μέσα, συντηρώντας σ’ ένα φαύλο κύκλο φαινόμενα, όπως αυτά της σεξουαλικής αντικειμενοποίησης και της ύπερ-προσωποποίησης. Έτσι, επιλέγοντας παραμέτρους σε αυτήν την ανασκόπηση, έγινε εστίαση σε αναλύσεις: θεωριών επικοινωνίας/επιρροής και επιθετικότητας, θεωριών σεξουαλικότητας καθώς και σεξουαλικού περιεχομένου παραδοσιακών μέσων μαζικής ενημέρωσης (π.χ. τηλεόραση, μουσική/μουσικά βίντεο, ταινίες) και νέων-ψηφιακών μέσων (π.χ. βιντεοπαιχνίδια, διαδίκτυο, κοινωνικές πλατφόρμες/δίκτυα) αλλά και τα επιμέρους φαινόμενα, όπως διαδικτυακή πορνογραφία, «sexting» και σεξουαλική αντικειμενοποίηση. Δεν υπήρξε εστίαση σε έντυπα μέσα (περιοδικά, εφημερίδες, βιβλία). Στη συνέχεια, έγινε προσπάθεια κατανόησης του αντίκτυπου του σεξουαλικού περιεχομένου στις στάσεις και συμπεριφορές, της σχέσης μεταξύ σεξουαλικών αυτό-παρουσιάσεων και κοινωνικών δικτύων και τέλος των πιθανών προκλήσεων και προοπτικών κάποιων εφαρμογών γνωριμίας αλλά και νέων εφαρμογών ψυχαγωγίας. Φαίνεται ότι η συχνότερη έκθεση σε σεξουαλικό περιεχόμενο στους εφήβους έχει συσχετιστεί με περισσότερο επιτρεπτικές σεξουαλικές συμπεριφορές, όπως η μεγαλύτερη αποδοχή του περιστασιακού σεξ και με στερεότυπες συμπεριφορές και πεποιθήσεις για τους ρόλους των φύλων, ωστόσο το πεδίο αυτό είναι συνεχώς εξελισσόμενο και τόσο επίκαιρο που χρήζει περαιτέρω πρωτογενών ερευνών.Sexual content is widespread in mainstream media, from suggestive comments/images to explicit images and videos. The sex talk shows to be more frequent, while there are few references to possible sexual risks, from the perspective of a prevention approach. On the other hand, teenagers, trying to build their personal identity and especially their sexual identity, very often become consumers, viewers and even creators of sexual content in the media, maintaining in a vicious cycle phenomena such as sexual objectification and over-personalization. Thus, selecting parameters in this review focused on analyses: of communication/influence and aggression theories, theories of sexuality as well as sexual content of traditional mass media (e.g. television, music/music videos, films) and new-digital media (e.g. video games, internet, social platforms/networks) but also individual phenomena such as online pornography, sexting and sexual objectification. There was no focus on print media (magazines, newspapers, books). Then, an attempt was made to understand the impact of sexual content on attitudes and behaviors, the relationship between sexual self-presentations and social networks, and finally the possible challenges and prospects of some dating applications and new entertainment applications. It appears that more frequent exposure to sexual content in adolescents has been associated with more permissive sexual behaviors, such as greater acceptance of casual sex, and with stereotypical attitudes and beliefs about gender roles, yet this field is constantly evolving and so current that it needs further primary research

Perinatal stress, brain inflammation and risk of autism-Review and proposal

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by varying deficits in social interactions, communication, and learning, as well as stereotypic behaviors. Despite the significant increase in ASD, there are few if any clues for its pathogenesis, hampering early detection or treatment. Premature babies are also more vulnerable to infections and inflammation leading to neurodevelopmental problems and higher risk of developing ASD. Many autism “susceptibility” genes have been identified, but “environmental” factors appear to play a significant role. Increasing evidence suggests that there are different ASD endophenotypes. Discussion: We review relevant literature suggesting in utero inflammation can lead to preterm labor, while insufficient development of the gut-blood-brain barriers could permit exposure to potential neurotoxins. This risk apparently may increase in parents with “allergic” or autoimmune problems during gestation, or if they had been exposed to stressors. The presence of circulating auto-antibodies against fetal brain proteins in mothers is associated with higher risk of autism and suggests disruption of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). A number of papers have reported increased brain expression or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF, which is preformed in mast cells. Recent evidence also indicates increased serum levels of the proinflammatory mast cell trigger neurotensin (NT), and of extracellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is immunogenic. Gene mutations of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), the negative regulator of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), have been linked to higher risk of autism, but also to increased proliferation and function of mast cells. Summary: Premature birth and susceptibility genes may make infants more vulnerable to allergic, environmental, infectious, or stress-related triggers that could stimulate mast cell release of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic molecules, thus contributing to brain inflammation and ASD pathogenesis, at least in an endophenotype of ASD patients

Rupatadine inhibits inflammatory mediator release from human laboratory of allergic diseases 2 cultured mast cells stimulated by platelet-activating factor

Background: Mast cells are involved in allergy and inflammation by the secretion of multiple mediators, including histamine, cytokines, and platelet-activating factor (PAF), in response to different triggers, including emotional stress. PAF has been associated with allergic inflammation, but there are no clinically available PAF inhibitors. Objective: To investigate whether PAF could stimulate human mast cell mediator release and whether rupatadine (RUP), a dual histamine-1 and PAF receptor antagonist, could inhibit the effect of PAF on human mast cells. Methods: Laboratory of allergic diseases 2 cultured mast cells were stimulated with PAF (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mu mol/L) and substance P (1 mu mol/L) with or without pretreatment with RUP (2.5 and 25 mu mol/L), which was added 10 minutes before stimulation. Release of beta-hexosaminidase was measured in supernatant fluid by spectrophotoscopy, and histamine, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: PAF stimulated a statistically significant release of histamine, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor (0.001-0.1 mu mol/L) that was comparable to that stimulated by substance P. Pretreatment with RUP (25 mu mol/L) for 10 minutes inhibited this effect. In contrast, pretreatment of laboratory of allergic diseases 2 cells with diphenhydramine (25 mu mol/L) did not inhibit mediator release, suggesting that the effect of RUP was not due to its antihistaminic effect. Conclusion: PAF stimulates human mast cell release of proinflammatory mediators that is inhibited by RUP. This action endows RUP with additional properties in treating allergic inflammation. (C) 2013 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

TarBase-v9.0 extends experimentally supported miRNA-gene interactions to cell-types and virally encoded miRNAs

TarBase is a reference database dedicated to produce, curate and deliver high quality experimentally-supported microRNA (miRNA) targets on protein-coding transcripts. In its latest version (v9.0, https://dianalab.e-ce.uth.gr/tarbasev9), it pushes the envelope by introducing virally-encoded miRNAs, interactions leading to target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD) events and the largest collection of miRNA-gene interactions to date in a plethora of experimental settings, tissues and cell-types. It catalogues similar to 6 million entries, comprising similar to 2 million unique miRNA-gene pairs, supported by 37 experimental (high- and low-yield) protocols in 172 tissues and cell-types. Interactions are annotated with rich metadata including information on genes/transcripts, miRNAs, samples, experimental contexts and publications, while millions of miRNA-binding locations are also provided at cell-type resolution. A completely re-designed interface with state-of-the-art web technologies, incorporates more features, and allows flexible and ingenious use. The new interface provides the capability to design sophisticated queries with numerous filtering criteria including cell lines, experimental conditions, cell types, experimental methods, species and/or tissues of interest. Additionally, a plethora of fine-tuning capacities have been integrated to the platform, offering the refinement of the returned interactions based on miRNA confidence and expression levels, while boundless local retrieval of the offered interactions and metadata is enabled. Graphical Abstrac

The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a major destructive insect pest due to its broad host range, which includes hundreds of fruits and vegetables. It exhibits a unique ability to invade and adapt to ecological niches throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, though medfly infestations have been prevented and controlled by the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of integrated pest management programs (IPMs). The genetic analysis and manipulation of medfly has been subject to intensive study in an effort to improve SIT efficacy and other aspects of IPM control

Erratum to: The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species

After publication of our recent article [1] we noticed that Monica Munoz-Torres had been omitted from the author list. We have now added her, and the updated Funding and Authors’ contributions sections are below

Additional file 2: of The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species

Supplementary Tables S1–S26. Table S1 C. capitata genome and RNA-seq source material and sequencing runs. Table S2 Pluralibacter gergoviae genome metrics. Table S3 P. gergoviae genes associated with general functional categories. Table S4 BUSCO genome assembly comparisons between C. capitata, D. melanogaster, and Bactrocera species. Table S5a Orthology tables - Copy numbers. Table S5b Orthology tables - Orthologous groups. Table S5c Orthology tables - Counts by species. Table S6 Chromosomal positions for mapped scaffolds. Table S7 C. capitata transposable element sequences. Table S8 C. capitata microRNA sequences. Table S9 microRNA/siRNA/piRNA machinery in C capitata. Table S10 C. capitata odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes. Table S11 C. capitata odorant receptor (OR) genes. Table S12 C. capitata gustatory receptor (GR) gene assignments. Table S13 C. capitata ionotrophic receptor (IR) gene assignments. Table S14 C. capitata aquaporin genes. Table S15 Immunity-related gene comparisons for C. capitata, D. melanogaster, and M. domestica. Table S16 P450 genes in the C. capitata genome. Table S17 Carboxylesterase genes in the C. capitata genome. Table S18 Glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes in the C. capitata genome. Table S19 CysLGIC superfamily genes in C. capitata and other insect genomes. Table S20 C. capitata cuticle protein genes. Table S21 Putative cuticle proteins per family in the C. capitata genome. Table S22 Cuticle protein gene clusters in the C. capitata genome. Table S23 C. capitata sex-determination gene orthologs. Table S24 Putative seminal fluid protein (SFP) genes in the C. capitata genome. Table S25 C. capitata genes related to the apoptotic pathway of D. melanogaster. Table S26 Community RNA-Seq data for the genome assembly (XLSX 6240 kb