Genomic tools and sex determination in the extremophile brine shrimp Artemia franciscana

The aim of this study was the construction of a genomic Artemia toolkit. Sex-specific AFLP-based genetic maps were constructed based on 433 AFLP markers segregating in a 112 full-sib family, revealing 21 male and 22 female linkage groups (2n = 42). Fifteen putatively homologous linkage groups, including the sex linkage groups, were identified between the female and male linkage maps. Eight sex-linked markers, heterozygous in female animals, mapped to a single locus on a female linkage group, supporting the hypothesis of a WZ/ZZ genetic sex-determining system and showing primary sex determination is likely directed by a single gene. To fine-map the sex locus, bulked segregant analysis was performed. Candidate primary sex-determining genes were identified, including Cytochrome P450 which, through transcriptomic studies, is already known as a candidate sex-determining gene for Macrobrachium nipponense. The 1,310-Mbp Artemia draft genome sequence (N50 = 14,784 bp; GC-content = 35%; 176,667 scaffolds) was annotated, predicting 188,101 genes with an average length of 692 bp. Ninety-two percent of the transcriptome reads of Artemia in different conditions were present in the Artemia genome, indicating that the functional part of the genome under the RNAseq sampling conditions is virtually fully represented in the assembly. Several steps were taken in this study to introduce Artemia as a new genomic model for crustaceans. Although the functional part of the Artemia genome under the RNAseq sampling conditions is virtually fully represented in the assembly, thus making it useful for qualitative research, genome finishing strategies will still be necessary to complete the genome project. The further development of genomic resources for Artemia will add a completely new dimension to Artemia research and its use as live food in aquaculture

Faecal leukocyte esterase activity is an alternative biomarker in inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Leukocyte cytosolic proteins (e.g., calprotectin) are emerging biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease. Leukocyte aryl esterase activity has been commonly used for sensitive detection of leukocytes in human body fluids such as urine. Urine test strip results are generally reported in categories. As automated strip readers allow quantitative data to be reported, sensitive quantitative detection of leukocytes in body fluids has become possible. Here, we explored the use of leukocyte esterase as a potential alternative faecal biomarker for inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: We evaluated leukocyte esterase activity in faecal extracts and compared Cobas u 411 (Roche) quantitative reflectance data with calprotectin concentration for 107 routine samples. Stability of leukocyte esterase for trypsin digestion was carried out by adding trypsin to the extract. Incubation occurred at 37 ° C for 24 h or 48 h. Results: Reproducibility of the reflectance signal was good (within-run imprecision: 6.1%; between-run imprecision: 6.2%). Results were linear in the range 10 3 – 10 6 WBC/100 mg faeces. The lower limit of detection was 4 WBC/ μ L and the lower limit of quantification was 5 WBC/ μ L. Stability of LE activity in stool and faecal matrix was good. An adequate correlation was obtained between leukocyte esterase activity and the faecal calprotectin concentration: log(y)  =  4.28 + 0.29log(x). In vitro experiments monitored the digestion of leukocyte esterase and faecal calprotectin. Leukocyte esterase activity was significantly less affected by trypsin activity than calprotectin immunoreactivity. Conclusions: Quantitative leukocyte esterase activity of faecal extracts provides information about the leukocyte count in the gut lumen. Leukocyte esterase is a promising and affordable alternative biomarker for monitoring inflammatory bowel disease

New Media, Old Criticism: Bloggers\u27 Press Criticism and the Journalistic Field

Bourdieu\u27s field theory suggests that the rise of the Internet and blogs could generate a shift in the journalistic field – the realm where actors struggle for autonomy – as new agents gain access. This textual analysis of 282 items of media criticism appearing on highly-trafficked blogs reveals an emphasis on traditional journalistic norms, suggesting a stable field. Occasional criticisms of the practicability of traditional norms and calls for greater transparency, however, may suggest an emerging paradigm shift

Ever Green: An Enduring System of Parks and Greenways in Detroit

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/110956/1/ever_green.pd

The chloride channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) controls cellular quiescence by hyperpolarizing the cell membrane during diapause in the crustacean Artemia

Cellular quiescence, a reversible state in which growth, proliferation, and other cellular activities are arrested, is important for self-renewal, differentiation, development, regeneration, and stress resistance. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying cellular quiescence remain largely unknown. In the present study, we used embryos of the crustacean Artemia in the diapause stage, in which these embryos remain quiescent for prolonged periods, as a model to explore the relationship between cell-membrane potential (V-mem) and quiescence. We found that V-mem is hyperpolarized and that the intracellular chloride concentration is high in diapause embryos, whereas V-mem is depolarized and intracellular chloride concentration is reduced in postdiapause embryos and during further embryonic development. We identified and characterized the chloride ion channel protein cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) of Artemia (Ar-CFTR) and found that its expression is silenced in quiescent cells of Artemia diapause embryos but remains constant in all other embryonic stages. Ar-CFTR knockdown and GlyH-101-mediated chemical inhibition of Ar-CFTR produced diapause embryos having a high V-mem and intracellular chloride concentration, whereas control Artemia embryos released free-swimming nauplius larvae. Transcriptome analysis of embryos at different developmental stages revealed that proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism are suppressed in diapause embryos and restored in postdiapause embryos. Combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of GlyH-101-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells, these analyses revealed that CFTR inhibition down-regulates the Wnt and Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) signaling pathways and up-regulates the p53 signaling pathway. Our findings provide insight into CFTR-mediated regulation of cellular quiescence and V-mem in the Artemia model

Infliximab treatment in pediatric IBD patients: a single centre experience

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CT in a Neonate with Nasal Obstruction

A three-day-old girl was referred to the radiology department by the otorhinolaryngologist for work-up of nasal obstruction as she presented with loud nasal respiration and respiratory distress during feeding. Nasal endoscopy revealed a bilateral intranasal mass. CT of the sinonasal region showed a bilateral soft-tissue mass at the medial canthus, with bilateral widening of the nasolacrimal canal, and revealed the presence of a bilateral endonasal mass below the inferior turbinate (Figures 1–3). This triad of imaging findings is diagnostic for a congenital dacryocystocoele. Endonasal wide marsupialisation using a microdebrider was performed, restoring patency of the nasolacrimal apparatus and resolving the symptoms