Removal of Giα1 Constraints on Adenylyl Cyclase in the Hippocampus Enhances LTP and Impairs Memory Formation

AbstractStimulation of adenylyl cyclase in the hippocampus is critical for memory formation. However, generation of cAMP signals within an optimal range for memory may require a balance between stimulatory and inhibitory mechanisms. The role of adenylyl cyclase inhibitory mechanisms for memory has not been addressed. One of the mechanisms for inhibition of adenylyl cyclase is through activation of Gi-coupled receptors, a mechanism that could serve as a constraint on memory formation. Here we report that ablation of Giα1 by gene disruption increases hippocampal adenylyl cyclase activity and enhances LTP in area CA1. Furthermore, gene ablation of Giα1 or antisense oligonucleotide-mediated depletion of Giα1 disrupted hippocampus-dependent memory. We conclude that Giα1 provides a critical mechanism for tonic inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity in the hippocampus. We hypothesize that loss of Giα1 amplifies the responsiveness of CA1 postsynaptic neurons to stimuli that strengthen synaptic efficacy, thereby diminishing synapse-specific plasticity required for new memory formation

Parasitic pneumonia in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Cornwall, Great Britain, caused by Varestrongylus capreoli (Protostrongylidae)

Abstract Background Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) became extinct over large areas of Britain during the post mediaeval period but following re-introductions from Europe during the 1800s and early 1900s the population started to recover and in recent decades there has been a spectacular increase. Many roe deer are shot in Britain each year but despite this there is little published information on the diseases and causes of mortality of roe deer in Great Britain. Case presentation The lungs of two hunter-shot roe deer in Cornwall showed multiple, raised, nodular lesions associated with numerous protostrongylid-type nematode eggs and first stage larvae. There was a pronounced inflammatory cell response (mostly macrophages, eosinophils and multinucleate giant cells) and smooth muscle hypertrophy of the smaller bronchioles. The morphology of the larvae was consistent with that of a Varestrongylus species and sequencing of an internal transcribed spacer-2 fragment confirmed 100% identity with a published Norwegian Varestrongylus cf. capreoli sequence. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first confirmed record of V. capreoli in Great Britain. Co-infection with an adult protostrongylid, identified by DNA sequencing as Varestrongylus sagittatus, was also demonstrated in one case. Conclusions Parasitic pneumonia is regarded as a common cause of mortality in roe deer and is typically attributed to infection with Dictyocaulus sp. This study has shown that Varestrongylus capreoli also has the capability to cause significant lung pathology in roe deer and heavy infection could be of clinical significance

Taxonomy of the family Arenaviridae and the order Bunyavirales : update 2018

In 2018, the family Arenaviridae was expanded by inclusion of 1 new genus and 5 novel species. At the same time, the recently established order Bunyavirales was expanded by 3 species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the family Arenaviridae and the order Bunyavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) and summarizes additional taxonomic proposals that may affect the order in the near future.Peer reviewe

A pressure instrument for measuring skin friction on rough walls /

The aim of this research is to propose and experimentally investigate a pressure instrument for determining the skin friction on a flat surface over the entire range of roughness from smooth to fully rough. An instrument consisting of three pitot tubes and one static tube is found to be the simplest device satisfying these requirements. The principle of operation of the proposed "three tube" instrument depends on the existence of a logarithmic mean velocity profile in the wall region of the turbulent boundary layer.The three tube instrument is tested on both smooth and rough surfaces in the boundary layer produced on the floor of the McGill University 914 mm x 610 mm wind tunnel, over the Reynolds number range from approximately $R sb{ theta} = 5 times10 sp3$ to $R sb{ theta} = 18 times10 sp3.$ The roughness is created using sandpaper of sizes #40 and #24 glued to the wind tunnel floor, and the experiments are performed over a range of non-dimensional roughness $k sbsp{s}{+} equiv k sb{s}u sb{r}/ nu$ from 0 to approximately 85

What’s to be done when ‘foul whisp rings are abroad’? : gossip and rumour in health organisations

Objectives: This article explores the relevance of gossip and rumour to health organisations and presents what limited empirical research is available specific to the management of gossip and rumour in health organisations. Conclusion: The concept of a sentinel function for gossip and rumour in health organisations is proposed as a topic worthy of further research

Results from the Biosurveillance Technical Opportunity Prioritization Survey

To understand and set priorities for research and best practices in public health monitoring, a group of ISDS members has developed an online survey to gather input from the ISDS community on the current landscape and prioritization of select technical issues in the field of biosurveillance. Through analysis, the Survey will identify respondents' perceptions of opportunities in the area of analytical methodologies. Results, both frequencies of responses and prioritization, for all respondents and by strata depending on demographic variables, will be available during the presentation

Results from the Biosurveillance Technical Opportunity Prioritization Survey

To understand and set priorities for research and best practices in public health monitoring, a group of ISDS members has developed an online survey to gather input from the ISDS community on the current landscape and prioritization of select technical issues in the field of biosurveillance. Through analysis, the Survey will identify respondents' perceptions of opportunities in the area of analytical methodologies. Results, both frequencies of responses and prioritization, for all respondents and by strata depending on demographic variables, will be available during the presentation