Tubulin and Neurofilament Proteins Are Transported Differently in Axons of Chicken Motoneurons

1. We previously showed that actin is transported in an unassembled form with its associated proteins actin depolymerizing factor, cofilin, and profilin. Here we examine the specific activities of radioactively labeled tubulin and neurofilament proteins in subcellular fractions of the chicken sciatic nerve following injection of L-[35S]methionine into the lumbar spinal cord. 2. At intervals of 12 and 20 days after injection, nerves were cut into 1-cm segments and separated into Triton X-100-soluble and particulate fractions. Analysis of the fractions by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, fluorography, and computer densitometry showed that tubulin was transported as a unimodal wave at a slower average rate (2–2.5 mm/day) than actin (4–5 mm/day). Moreover, the specific activity of soluble tubulin was five times that of its particulate form, indicating that tubulin is transported in a dimeric or small oligomeric form and is assembled into stationary microtubules. 3. Neurofilament triplet proteins were detected only in the particulate fractions and transported at a slower average rate (1 mm/day) than either actin or tubulin. 4. Our results indicate that the tubulin was transported in an unpolymerized form and that the neurofilament proteins were transported in an insoluble, presumably polymerized form

Tubulin and Neurofilament Proteins Are Transported Differently in Axons of Chicken Motoneurons

1. We previously showed that actin is transported in an unassembled form with its associated proteins actin depolymerizing factor, cofilin, and profilin. Here we examine the specific activities of radioactively labeled tubulin and neurofilament proteins in subcellular fractions of the chicken sciatic nerve following injection of L-[35S]methionine into the lumbar spinal cord. 2. At intervals of 12 and 20 days after injection, nerves were cut into 1-cm segments and separated into Triton X-100-soluble and particulate fractions. Analysis of the fractions by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, fluorography, and computer densitometry showed that tubulin was transported as a unimodal wave at a slower average rate (2–2.5 mm/day) than actin (4–5 mm/day). Moreover, the specific activity of soluble tubulin was five times that of its particulate form, indicating that tubulin is transported in a dimeric or small oligomeric form and is assembled into stationary microtubules. 3. Neurofilament triplet proteins were detected only in the particulate fractions and transported at a slower average rate (1 mm/day) than either actin or tubulin. 4. Our results indicate that the tubulin was transported in an unpolymerized form and that the neurofilament proteins were transported in an insoluble, presumably polymerized form

Déterminisme génétique de la tolérance de Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley (Cucurbitaceae) aux insectes ravageurs et recherche de marqueurs microsatellites SSR associés aux gènes

La gourde oléagineuse, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley, se caractérise par un haut potentiel nutritionnel et une forte valeur marchande dont l’intensification de la production pourrait profiter aux agriculteurs, en particulier, les femmes rurales qui en sont les principales productrices. Malgré l’importance socio-économique de la gourde oléagineuse, la production est caractérisée par de faibles rendements, dus essentiellement aux dégâts occasionnés par les insectes ravageurs. La présente étude vise à connaitre le déterminisme génétique de la tolérance de Lagenaria siceraria aux insectes ravageurs et à identifier les marqueurs moléculaires proches des QTLs contrôlant cette tolérance. Cette identification serait une étape importante pour accélérer le processus de la tolérance de L. siceraria aux insectes ravageurs. Des marqueurs moléculaires de type SSR ont été évalués sur 100 individus de la population F2 (issue de l’autofécondation de la F1 provenant du croisement entre les accessions parentales NI431 et NI227). Un seul QTL dénommé qTDco a été identifié et le marqueur C1.2.23 a été associé à ce QTL. Ce marqueur, utilisé, dans un programme de sélection assistée par marqueur, serait un atout considérable dans le processus de la recherche de la tolérance de L. siceraria aux insectes ravageurs.   Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley is characterized by high nutritional potential and high market value. The intensification of L. siceraria could benefit farmers, especially rural women who are the main farmers. Despite the socio-economic importance of this oil gourd, its production is characterized by low yields, mainly due to damage caused by insect pests. The present study aims to identify molecular markers SSR associated to QTLs controlling the tolerance of insect damage. Thoses molecular markers would be an important step in accelerating the process of tolerance of L. siceraria to insect pests. Molecular markers microsatellites SSR were evaluated on 100 individuals of the F2 population (resulting from the self-fertilization of F1 from the crossing between parental accessions NI431 and NI227). A single QTL called qTDco was identified and the marker C1.2.23 was associated with this QTL. This marker used in a marker-assisted selection program would be a considerable asset in the process of researching the tolerance of L. siceraria to insect pests

Farm-based climate adaptation dynamics: insights from the vegetable sector in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Agro-based climate adaptation has gained traction in scholarly and policy circles, albeit with limited comprehensive empirical evidence on the pathways of crop sector-specific adaptation approaches in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To stem this knowledge gap, this study examines the evolution of farm-based climate adaptation practices in the vegetable subsector of Cameroon’s western highlands. Specifically, we (i) explore the different adaptation practices, (ii) estimate the determinants of farm-based adaptation, and (iii) determine the effects of farm-based adaptation on vegetable performance. Data were collected from a representative sample of farming households (N = 150) in two communities using a semi-structured questionnaire, complemented by key informant interviews (N = 10) and focus group discussions (N = 5). The Product Moment Correlation established an evolution from traditional practices to more modern scientific practices with changing climate, as vegetable farmers shifted from using local seeds to improved ones, intensified pest control strategies and adopted water pump-based irrigation practices. The binary logistic regression model revealed that belonging to farming groups, increase in income and access to credit significantly explained farm-based adaptation (p = 0.041). Furthermore, farm-based practices were significantly reflected in crop performance, mirrored through an increase in vegetable quantity (p = 0.003) and perceived quality (p = 0.046). The results suggest the need for further research to blend traditional and conventional adaptation approaches, and to create enabling environments to foster social capital (belonging to groups) and access to credit as key levers for climate-resilient vegetable production in the western highlands of Cameroon

Toward Waveform Nonlinear Optics Using Multimillijoule Sub-Cycle Waveform Synthesizers

Waveform nonlinear optics aims to study and control the nonlinear interactions of matter with extremely short optical waveforms custom-tailored within a single cycle of light. Different technological routes to generate such multimillijoule sub-optical-cycle waveforms are currently pursued, opening up unprecedented opportunities in attoscience and strong-field physics. Here, we discuss the experimental schemes, introduce the technological challenges, and present our experimental results on high-energy sub-cycle optical waveform synthesis based on (1) parametric amplification and (2) induced-phase modulation in a two-color-driven gas-filled hollow-core fiber compressor. More specifically, for (1), we demonstrate a carrier-envelope-phase (CEP)-stable, multimillijoule three-channel parametric waveform synthesizer generating a >2-octave-wide spectrum (0.52-2.4 μm). After two amplification stages, the combined 125-μJ output supports 1.9-fs FWHM waveforms; energy scaling to >2 mJ is achieved after three amplification stages. FROG pulse characterization of all three second-stage outputs demonstrates the feasibility to recompress all three channels simultaneously close to the Fourier limit and shows the flexibility of our intricate dispersion management scheme for different experimental situations. For (2), we generate CEP-stable 1.7-mJ waveforms covering 365-930 nm (measured at 1% of the peak intensity) obtained from induced-phase modulation in a two-color-driven gas-filled hollow-core fiber. Using custom-designed double-chirped mirrors and a UV spatial light modulator will permit compression close to the 0.9-fs FWHM transform limit. These novel sources will become versatile tools for controlling strong-field interactions in matter and for attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy using VIS/IR and XUV/soft-X-ray pulses

Biorisk assessment of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria isolated from swiftlet houses in Sarawak

The occurrence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens is a growing concern globally. Development of multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria has overwhelmed new medical advancement and threatens patients with untreatable infections. The qualitative risk assessment study was carried out to investigate the relative effects of the main determinants of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria and to estimate the risk of the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance among humans in the swiftlet's faeces and its indoor air to human health. The methodology applied focused mainly on three main sections namely the hazard identification, exposure assessment, and hazard assessment. Sources of data for bio risk assessment include published literature, data from on-going research projects and data collected from the industry. The results showed that the prevalence of isolating Gram-positive bacteria were higher in swiftlet houses. Over half of the pathogenic bacterial isolates were multidrug-resistant to a wide range of commonly used antibiotics such as Bacillus, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Lysinibacillus, Paenibacillus and Sporosarcina. 80% of the bacteria isolates showed high MAR index of over 0.2. These emerging pathogenic antibiotic resistant bacteria are capable of causing life-threatening infections which pose a health hazard to our biodiversity

Bladder cancer cells secrete while normal bladder cells express but do not secrete AGR2.

Anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) is a cancer-associated secreted protein found predominantly in adenocarcinomas. Given its ubiquity in solid tumors, cancer-secreted AGR2 could be a useful biomarker in urine or blood for early detection. However, normal organs express and might also secrete AGR2, which would impact its utility as a cancer biomarker. Uniform AGR2 expression is found in the normal bladder urothelium. Little AGR2 is secreted by the urothelial cells as no measurable amounts could be detected in urine. The urinary proteomes of healthy people contain no listing for AGR2. Likewise, the blood proteomes of healthy people also contain no significant peptide counts for AGR2 suggesting little urothelial secretion into capillaries of the lamina propria. Expression of AGR2 is lost in urothelial carcinoma, with only 25% of primary tumors observed to retain AGR2 expression in a cohort of lymph node-positive cases. AGR2 is secreted by the urothelial carcinoma cells as urinary AGR2 was measured in the voided urine of 25% of the cases analyzed in a cohort of cancer vs. non-cancer patients. The fraction of AGR2-positive urine samples was consistent with the fraction of urothelial carcinoma that stained positive for AGR2. Since cancer cells secrete AGR2 while normal cells do not, its measurement in body fluids could be used to indicate tumor presence. Furthermore, AGR2 has also been found on the cell surface of cancer cells. Taken together, secretion and cell surface localization of AGR2 are characteristic of cancer, while expression of AGR2 by itself is not

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

IL-27 Induced by Select Candida spp. via TLR7/NOD2 Signaling and IFN-β Production Inhibits Fungal Clearance

Candida spp. elicit cytokine production downstream of various pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) including C-type lectin-like receptors (CLRs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide oligomerisation domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs). IL-12 family members, IL-12p70 and IL-23, are important for host immunity against Candida spp. Herein we show that IL-27, another IL-12 family member, is produced by myeloid cells in response to select Candida spp. We demonstrate a novel mechanism for C. parapsilosis-mediated induction of IL-27 in a TLR7-, MyD88- and NOD2-dependent manner. Our data revealed that IFN-β is induced by C. parapsilosis, which in turn signals through the interferon-α/β receptor (IFNAR) and STAT1/2 to induce IL-27. Moreover, IL 27R (WSX-1) deficient mice systemically infected with C. parapsilosis displayed enhanced pathogen clearance compared to WT mice. This was associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and increased IFN-γ and IL-17 responses in the spleens of IL-27R deficient mice. Thus our data define a novel link between C. parapsilosis, TLR7, NOD2, IFN-β and IL-27 and we have identified an important role for IL-27 in the immune response against C. parapsilosis. Overall these findings demonstrate an important mechanism for the suppression of protective immune responses during infection with C. parapsilosis, which has potential relevance for infections with other fungal pathogens