Odd-skipped genes specify the signaling center that triggers retinogenesis in Drosophila

5 páginas, 4 figuras.Although many of the factors responsible for conferring identity to the eye field in Drosophila have been identified, much less is known about how the expression of the retinal `trigger', the signaling molecule Hedgehog, is controlled. Here, we show that the co-expression of the conserved odd-skipped family genes at the posterior margin of the eye field is required to activate hedgehog expression and thereby the onset of retinogenesis. The fly Wnt1 homologue wingless represses the odd-skipped genes drm and odd along the anterior margin and, in this manner, spatially restricts the extent of retinal differentiation within the eye field.This work has been funded through grants BMC2003-06248 (Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Spain) and POCTI/BIA-BCM/56043/2004 [Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal], which are co-funded by FEDER, to F.C. C.B-P. and J.B. are funded by FCT.Peer reviewe

Estradiol reverses excitatory synapse loss in a cellular model of neuropsychiatric disorders

Loss of glutamatergic synapses is thought to be a key cellular pathology associated with neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Genetic and cellular studies of SCZ and MDD using in vivo and in vitro systems have supported a key role for dysfunction of excitatory synapses in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that the estrogen, 17β-estradiol can ameliorate many of the symptoms experienced by patients. Yet, to date, our understanding of how 17β-estradiol exerted these beneficial effects is limited. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis that 17β-estradiol can restore dendritic spine number in a cellular model that recapitulates the loss of synapses associated with SCZ and MDD. Ectopic expression of wildtype, mutant or shRNA-mediated knockdown of Disrupted in Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) reduced dendritic spine density in primary cortical neurons. Acute or chronic treatment with 17β-estradiol increased spine density to control levels in neurons with altered DISC1 levels. In addition, 17β-estradiol reduced the extent to which ectopic wildtype and mutant DISC1 aggregated. Furthermore, 17β-estradiol also caused the enrichment of synaptic proteins at synapses and increased the number of dendritic spines containing PSD-95 or that overlapped with the pre-synaptic marker bassoon. Taken together, our data indicates that estrogens can restore lost excitatory synapses caused by altered DISC1 expression, potentially through the trafficking of DISC1 and its interacting partners. These data highlight the possibility that estrogens exert their beneficial effects in SCZ and MDD in part by modulating dendritic spine number

PLASTICS IN THE ANTARCTIC ENVIRONMENT: ARE WE LOOKING ONLY AT THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG?

The available literature on marine debris and its impacts in the sub-Antarctic Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and on the coasts of Antarctica was organized and interpreted here. A total of 98 documents covering from 1982 to 2010 were found and 95% had their full contents accessed. Seventy documents were on line scientific abstracts from the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The occurrence of marine debris in the Antarctic environment, fur seals entanglement in marine debris, interactions between seabirds and marine debris and long range transport of benthos on floating plastics were the main issues discussed. Fishing operations in the Southern Ocean were identified as the major source of marine debris, but according to the type of debris reported, plastics from lower latitudes may also cross the Polar Front (PF). Possible links between Antarctic and South America, the closest intercontinental connection, in relation to plastic marine debris pollution are highlighted. As reported for lower latitudinal gradients, plastic pollution is an important problem to the Antarctic environment. However, specific and detailed works are necessary since our current knowledge probably expose only a small part of the real problem. Concerning this sort of pollution in the Antarctic marine and coastal environments, we may be looking solely at the tip of iceberg.PLÁSTICOS   EN   EL   ECOSISTEMA   ANTÁRTICO:   ¿SERÁ   QUE   ESTAMOS   VIENDO SOLAMENTE LA PUNTA DEL ICEBERG?  En este trabajo fue organizada y interpretada la literatura científica relacionada con la presencia y los impactos de basura marina en islas sub-antárticas, en la Península Antártica y en la costa del continente Antártico. Fueron encontrados un total de 98 documentos, publicados entre 1982 e 2010, de los cuales se tuvo acceso a la totalidad del documento en el 95% de los casos. Setenta documentos son resúmenes científicos de la Comisión para la Conservación de los Recursos Marinos en la Antártica (CCAMLR, en inglés) disponibles para consulta en internet. La ocurrencia de basura marina en el ecosistema Antártico  (principalmente  en  playas  arenosas),  el  enredamiento  de  lobos  marinos  en  diferentes ítems de basura, interacciones (ingestión, enredamiento y ocurrencia de basura en áreas de nidificación) entre aves marinas y la basura, y el transporte de organismos bentónicos en plásticos flotantes fueron los asuntos más abordados en los documentos analizados. Operaciones de pesca en el Océano Atlántico Sur fueron identificadas como  la  mayor  fuente  de  basura  para  el  ambiente,  pero  plásticos  originados  en  menores  latitudes  también fueron  identificados,  indicando  transporte  a  través  del  Frente  Polar  (PF,  en  inglés). También  se  abordan  y se  discuten  en  este  trabajo,  posibles  links  entre  la Antártica  y América  del  Sul,  la  conexión  más  próxima intercontinental, en relación a la contaminación por plásticos. Como es reportado para gradientes latitudinales menores, la contaminación por plásticos es un problema relevante para el ecosistema Antártico. Sin embargo, estudios más específicos y detallados son necesarios ya que el conocimiento actual representa, probablemente, solo una pequeña parte del verdadero problema. En relación a este tipo de contaminación en los ambientes marinos y costeros del ecosistema Antártico, posiblemente estamos viendo solo la punta del iceberg. Palabras clave: Especies exóticas; A. gazella; Procellariiformes; hilos de nylon; fragmentos plásticos.PLÁSTICOS NO ECOSSISTEMA ANTÁRTICO: SERÁ QUE ESTAMOS VENDO SOMENTE A PONTA DO ICEBERG? A literatura científica relacionada à presença e aos impactos do lixo marinho em Ilhas Sub-Antárticas, na Península Antártica e na costa do continente Antártico foi organizada e interpretada neste trabalho. Um total de 98 documentos, publicados entre 1982 e 2010, foi encontrado e 95% tiveram seu conteúdo acessado integralmente. Setenta documentos são resumos científicos da Comissão para a Conservação dos Recursos Marinhos na Antártica (CCAMLR, em inglês) disponíveis para consulta na internet.  A ocorrência de lixo marinho no ecossistema Antártico (principalmente praias arenosas), o enredamento de lobos marinhos em itens do lixo, interações (ingestão, enredamento e ocorrência de lixo em áreas de nidificação) entre aves marinhas e o lixo, e o transporte de organismos bentônicos em plásticos flutuantes foram os assuntos mais abordados  nos  documentos  analisados.  Operações  de  pesca  no  Oceano  Atlântico  Sul  foram  identificadas como a maior fonte de lixo para o ambiente, mas plásticos originados em menores latitudes também foram identificados, indicando transporte através da Frente Polar (PF, em inglês). Possíveis links entre a Antárticae a América do Sul, a mais próxima conexão intercontinental, em relação à poluição por plásticos também estão destacados e discutidos neste trabalho. Como reportado para menores gradientes latitudinais, a poluição por plásticos é um problema relevante para o ecossistema Antártico. Entretanto, estudos mais específicos e detalhados são necessários já que o conhecimento atual representa, provavelmente, só uma pequena parte do verdadeiro problema. Em relação a este tipo de poluição nos ambientes marinhos e costeiros do ecossistema Antártico, nós estamos possivelmente vendo somente a ponta do iceberg. Palavras-chave: Espécies exóticas;  A. gazella; Procellariiformes; linhas de nylon; fragmentos plásticos

Evaluation of the productivity, content and nutrient use efficiency in genotypes of Eucalyptus spp. in Jequitinhonha valley, MG

A hibrida\ue7\ue3o de esp\ue9cies de eucalipto possibilita a obten\ue7\ue3o de h\uedbridos mais produtivos e com alta efici\ueancia de absor\ue7\ue3o e/ou utiliza\ue7\ue3o de nutrientes, dependendo das esp\ue9cies combinadas. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho, conduzido na regi\ue3o do Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais, teve por objetivos: determinar a produtividade, o conte\ufado e a efici\ueancia de utiliza\ue7\ue3o de N, P, K, Ca e Mg de h\uedbridos interespec\uedficos de Eucalyptus spp. Para tanto, mediu-se o di\ue2metro \ue0 altura do peito (DAP) de todas as \ue1rvores presentes em cada parcela, e abateram-se tr\ueas \ue1rvores com di\ue2metro correspondente ao da \ue1rvore m\ue9dia. Procedeu-se \ue0 cubagem das \ue1rvores pelo m\ue9todo de Smallian, utilizando a altura, o di\ue2metro e a espessura de casca na base e a 25, 50, 75 e 100 % da altura comercial. O peso de material fresco do lenho, da casca, das folhas e dos galhos foi determinado no campo, e desses componentes se coletaram amostras para determina\ue7\ue3o do peso da mat\ue9ria seca. As amostras do tronco consistiram de discos coletados, com casca, na base e a 25, 50, 75 e 100% da altura comercial. As amostras de tecido vegetal foram analisadas para: N, P, K, Ca e Mg. Os resultados obtidos n\ue3o indicaram diferen\ue7as significativas para a produ\ue7\ue3o de biomassa de copa entre os h\uedbridos de eucalipto em conseq\ufc\ueancia de apresentarem mesma idade. Entretanto, a produ\ue7\ue3o de biomassa de tronco apresentou diferen\ue7as significativas sendo os h\uedbridos de Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake proveniente de poliniza\ue7\ue3o natural mais produtivo em 50 e 69% em compara\ue7\ue3o aos h\uedbridos de Eucalyptus urophylla W. Hill. Ex Maiden com Eucalyptus grandis Dehnh.e de Eucalyptus urophylla com descendentes do cruzamento de Eucalyptus camaldulensis com Eucalyptus grandis respectivamente. Al\ue9m disso, aqueles h\uedbridos foram os que alocaram maior quantidade de biomassa no tronco (92,3%) em rela\ue7\ue3o \ue0 copa (7,7%), e ainda foram os mais eficientes na absor\ue7\ue3o e utiliza\ue7\ue3o de N, P, K, Ca e Mg. Concluiu-se que: 1) h\uedbridos de Eucalyptus urophylla provenientes de poliniza\ue7\ue3o natural ou controlada n\ue3o apresentam diferen\ue7a na produ\ue7\ue3o de biomassa de copa quando avaliados numa mesma idade; 2) a poliniza\ue7\ue3o controlada de Eucalyptus urophylla com Eucalyptus grandis e com descendentes do cruzamento de Eucalyptus camaldulensis com Eucalyptus grandis reduz a produ\ue7\ue3o de biomassa de tronco; 3) h\uedbridos de Eucalyptus urophylla provenientes de poliniza\ue7\ue3o natural s\ue3o mais produtivos e mais eficientes na absor\ue7\ue3o e utiliza\ue7\ue3o de N, P, K, Ca e Mg e 4) h\uedbridos de Eucalyptus urophylla provenientes de descendentes do cruzamento de Eucalyptus camaldulensis com Eucalyptus grandis s\ue3o menos produtivos e menos eficientes na absor\ue7\ue3o e utiliza\ue7\ue3o de N, P, K, Ca e Mg.The hybridization of eucalyptus species can provide more productive hybrids and with a high efficiency of nutrient absorption and, or, nutrient use, depending on the combined species. In this context, the present work was undertaken in the Jequitinhonha Valley region, Minas Gerais, and its objectives were: to determine the productivity, content and use efficiency of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in interspecific hybrids of Eucalyptus spp. In each plot, the diameters were measured at breast height (DBH) in all the trees, and three trees with diameter similar to the average mean were felled. The volume of the trees was estimated by the Smallian method, using the height, diameter and the bark thickness at the base and at 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of the commercial height. The fresh weight of the wood, bark, leaves and branches was determined in the field, and samples from them were collected for the determination of dry matter. The log samples consisted of collected disks with bark, from the base and at 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of the commercial height. The samples of vegetable tissues were analyzed for: N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The results obtained did not show significant differences for the production of crown biomass between the eucalyptus hybrids of the same age. However, the production of log biomass presented significant differences and the naturally pollinated hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla were 50.0 % and 69.0 % more productive compared with the hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla with Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla with descendants of the crossing of Eucalyptus camaldulensis with Eucalyptus grandis, respectively. Also, these hybrids allocated larger amount of biomass in the log (92.3 %) in relation to the crown (7.7 %), and they were more efficient in the absorption and use of N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The conclusions were that: 1) same aged hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla from natural or controlled pollinations did not differ in their crown biomass; 2) log biomass was reduced in the hybrids from controlled pollination between Eucalyptus urophylla with Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla with descendants of the crossing of Eucalyptus camaldulensis with Eucalyptus grandis; 3) hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla from natural pollination were more productive and more efficient in the absorption and efficiency of use of N, P, K, Ca and Mg and 4) hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla with descendants of the crossing of Eucalyptus camaldulensis with Eucalyptus grandis are less productive and less efficient in the absorption and use of N, P, K, Ca and Mg

Cost-effectiveness of an integrated 'fast track' rehabilitation service for multi-trauma patients involving dedicated early rehabilitation intervention programs: design of a prospective, multi-centre, non-randomised clinical trial

Contains fulltext : 79649.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In conventional multi-trauma care service (CTCS), patients are admitted to hospital via the accident & emergency room. After surgery they are transferred to the IC-unit followed by the general surgery ward. Ensuing treatment takes place in a hospital's outpatient clinic, a rehabilitation centre, a nursing home or the community. Typically, each of the CTCS partners may have its own more or less autonomous treatment perspective. Clinical evidence, however, suggests that an integrated multi-trauma rehabilitation approach ('Supported Fast-track multi-Trauma Rehabilitation Service': SFTRS), featuring: 1) earlier transfer to a specialised trauma rehabilitation unit; 2) earlier start of 'non-weight-bearing' training and multidisciplinary treatment; 3) well-documented treatment protocols; 4) early individual goal-setting; 5) co-ordination of treatment between trauma surgeon and physiatrist, and 6) shorter lengths-of-stay, may be more (cost-)effective.This paper describes the design of a prospective cohort study evaluating the (cost-) effectiveness of SFTRS relative to CTCS. METHODS/DESIGN: The study population includes multi-trauma patients, admitted to one of the participating hospitals, with an Injury Severity Scale score > = 16, complex multiple injuries in several extremities or complex pelvic and/or acetabulum fractures. In a prospective cohort study CTCS and SFTRS will be contrasted. The inclusion period is 19 months. The duration of follow-up is 12 months, with measurements taken at baseline, and at 3,6,9 and 12 months post-injury.Primary outcome measures are 'quality of life' (SF-36) and 'functional health status' (Functional Independence Measure). Secondary outcome measures are the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination as an indicator of cognitive functioning, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure measuring the extent to which individual ADL treatment goals are met. Costs will be assessed using the PROductivity and DISease Questionnaire and a cost questionnaire. DISCUSSION: The study will yield results on the efficiency of an adapted care service for multi-trauma patients (SFTRS) featuring earlier (and condensed) involvement of specialised rehabilitation treatment. Results will show whether improved SFTRS logistics, combined with shorter stays in hospital and rehabilitation clinic and specialised early rehabilitation training modules are more (cost-) effective, relative to CTCS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials register (ISRCTN68246661) and Netherlands Trial Register (NTR139)

Surface pretreatments for medical application of adhesion

Medical implants and prostheses (artificial hips, tendono- and ligament plasties) usually are multi-component systems that may be machined from one of three material classes: metals, plastics and ceramics. Typically, the body-sided bonding element is bone. The purpose of this contribution is to describe developments carried out to optimize the techniques , connecting prosthesis to bone, to be joined by an adhesive bone cement at their interface. Although bonding of organic polymers to inorganic or organic surfaces and to bone has a long history, there remains a serious obstacle in realizing long-term high-bonding strengths in the in vivo body environment of ever present high humidity. Therefore, different pretreatments, individually adapted to the actual combination of materials, are needed to assure long term adhesive strength and stability against hydrolysis. This pretreatment for metal alloys may be silica layering; for PE-plastics, a specific plasma activation; and for bone, amphiphilic layering systems such that the hydrophilic properties of bone become better adapted to the hydrophobic properties of the bone cement. Amphiphilic layering systems are related to those developed in dentistry for dentine bonding. Specific pretreatment can significantly increase bond strengths, particularly after long term immersion in water under conditions similar to those in the human body. The bond strength between bone and plastic for example can be increased by a factor approaching 50 (pealing work increasing from 30 N/m to 1500 N/m). This review article summarizes the multi-disciplined subject of adhesion and adhesives, considering the technology involved in the formation and mechanical performance of adhesives joints inside the human body

Single nucleus genome sequencing reveals high similarity among nuclei of an endomycorrhizal fungus

Nuclei of arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi have been described as highly diverse due to their asexual nature and absence of a single cell stage with only one nucleus. This has raised fundamental questions concerning speciation, selection and transmission of the genetic make-up to next generations. Although this concept has become textbook knowledge, it is only based on studying a few loci, including 45S rDNA. To provide a more comprehensive insight into the genetic makeup of arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi, we applied de novo genome sequencing of individual nuclei of Rhizophagus irregularis. This revealed a surprisingly low level of polymorphism between nuclei. In contrast, within a nucleus, the 45S rDNA repeat unit turned out to be highly diverged. This finding demystifies a long-lasting hypothesis on the complex genetic makeup of arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi. Subsequent genome assembly resulted in the first draft reference genome sequence of an arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungus. Its length is 141 Mbps, representing over 27,000 protein-coding gene models. We used the genomic sequence to reinvestigate the phylogenetic relationships of Rhizophagus irregularis with other fungal phyla. This unambiguously demonstrated that Glomeromycota are more closely related to Mucoromycotina than to its postulated sister Dikarya