Myostatin and its precursor protein are increased in the skeletal muscle of patients with Type-II muscle fibre atrophy

Preferential atrophy of Type-II muscle fibres occurs in several clinical situations, including cachexia, muscle disuse, chronic glucocorticoid treatment, remote neoplasia, and sometimes as an aspect of recent-denervation. For the patient, the Type-II atrophy itself might be unfavourable (as a glucocorticoid side-effect) or favourable (survivalistic via the muscle-alanine liver-gluconeogenesis pathway in starvation). The cellular mechanisms underlying Type-II fibre atrophy are unclear. Myostatin (Mstn) is physiologically a negative regulator of muscle mass and strength. In this study we evaluated a possible role of Mstn in Type-II fibre atrophy in human muscle. Mstn and Mstn precursor protein (MstnPP) were studied in 10-muscle biopsies containing Type-II fibre atrophy and in 17 disease and normal control muscle biopsies. When comparison was made with normal control fibres, we found the following: 1) by immunocytochemistry, diffusely increased Mstn/MstnPP in the atrophic Type-II muscle fibres; 2) by immunoblots, Mstn/MstnPP increased individually; 3) by RT-PCR, no increase in MstnPP mRNA. In conclusion, our results a) suggest that Mstn/ /MstnPP might play a role in the pathogenic cascade of Type-II muscle fibre atrophy; b) broaden our previously-described associations of Mstn in human muscle pathology, and c) could possibly lead to clinical prevention when Type-II muscle fibre atrophy is unfavourable, for instance in glucocorticoid therapy. (Folia Morphol 2008; 67: 1-7

Measurement of the Bottom-Strange Meson Mixing Phase in the Full CDF Data Set

We report a measurement of the bottom-strange meson mixing phase \beta_s using the time evolution of B0_s -> J/\psi (->\mu+\mu-) \phi (-> K+ K-) decays in which the quark-flavor content of the bottom-strange meson is identified at production. This measurement uses the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions at sqrt(s)= 1.96 TeV collected by the Collider Detector experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron, corresponding to 9.6 fb-1 of integrated luminosity. We report confidence regions in the two-dimensional space of \beta_s and the B0_s decay-width difference \Delta\Gamma_s, and measure \beta_s in [-\pi/2, -1.51] U [-0.06, 0.30] U [1.26, \pi/2] at the 68% confidence level, in agreement with the standard model expectation. Assuming the standard model value of \beta_s, we also determine \Delta\Gamma_s = 0.068 +- 0.026 (stat) +- 0.009 (syst) ps-1 and the mean B0_s lifetime, \tau_s = 1.528 +- 0.019 (stat) +- 0.009 (syst) ps, which are consistent and competitive with determinations by other experiments.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures, Phys. Rev. Lett 109, 171802 (2012

Valosin-containing protein (VCP) is required for autophagy and is disrupted in VCP disease

Accumulation of autophagosomes because of impaired autophagy during valosin-containing protein (VCP)–linked dementia is explained by the absence or reduced activity of VCP

Gene and cell therapy for cystic fibrosis: From bench to bedside

Clinical trials in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients established proof-of-principle for transfer of the wild-type cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene to airway epithelial cells. However, the limited efficacy of gene transfer vectors as well as extra- and intracellular barriers have prevented the development of a gene therapy-based treatment for CF. Here, we review the use of new viral and nonviral gene therapy vectors, as well as human artificial chromosomes, to overcome barriers to successful CFTR expression. Pre-clinical studies will surely benefit from novel animal models, such as CF pigs and ferrets. Prenatal gene therapy is a potential alternative to gene transfer to fully developed lungs. However, unresolved issues, including the possibility of adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development, the risk of initiating oncogenic or degenerative processes and germ line transmission require further investigation. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of stem cells for CF lung disease. (C) 2011 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Zmiany zawartości azotu w glebie jako efekt bezpośredniego i następczego działania mączki mięsno-kostnej

Animal meat and bone meals need to be used for crop production since they have been eliminated from feeds in animal nutrition following the breakout of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in cattle. The Decision of the Council of the European Union of 4 December 2000 prohibited adding processed animal protein to feeds for cattle, pigs and poultry. In Poland, this ban was imposed by the decision of the government of 1 November 2003. Meat and bone meals can be an alternative source of nutrients to mineral nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers because they are rich in these two elements; in addition, they contain calcium, micronutrients and organic substance. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the direct and residual effects of meat and bone meal (MBM) applied in different doses on the content of total nitrogen and its mineral forms in soil, which can indicate a potential threat of environmental contamination and demonstdose the uptake of nitrogen by plants. In 2006-2010, field tests were carried out at the Experimental Station in Ba³dy, owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The field trials were set up on typical brown soil. The first order experimental factor was the MBM dose (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 t ha–1 year–1 and 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 t ha–1 every two years); the second order factor was the year of the experiment (4 years). The four-year experiment shows that changes in the soil content of mineral nitrogen forms depended on the dose of MBM, species of crops and weather conditions. Meat and bone meal introduced to soil in large doses, irrespective of the frequency of application, caused a significant increase in the soil’s richness in total and mineral nitrogen against the mineral fertilization. The content of N-NO3 – in soil increased significantly due to the residual effect of large doses of MBM (4.0 and 5.0 t ha–1) and the annual application of 2.5 t MBM ha–1. All the determined concentrations of N-NO3 – in soil were within the range of very low levels. The lowest content of Nmin. was detected in soil after winter wheat in the third year of the investigations, which was characterized by an uneven distribution of precipitations, and the amount of N-NO3 – was the lowest in the first year, after winter triticale. The crops took up more nitrogen from soil enriched with MBM (except for the smallest dose) than from fields given mineral fertilization

The effect of meat and bone meal applied without or with mineral nitrogen on macronutrient content and uptake by winter oilseed rape

Meat and bone meal (MBM) can be a viable alternative to natural, organic and mineral fertilizers because it is rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), micronutrients and organic matter that can be recycled back into agricultural land. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal dose of MBM for winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Meat and bone meal was applied at three doses (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 Mg ha-1) with the addition of mineral nitrogen at 79 and 40 kg N ha-1, and without the addition of mineral nitrogen (0 kg N ha-1), respectively. The effects exerted by MBM were compared with those exerted by mineral NPK fertilization (control treatment). Since MBM had low K content, K rate was 145 kg ha-1 in all treatments, and it was applied with mineral fertilizers. The macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) content of winter oilseed rape seeds and straw, and macronutrient uptake by aboveground biomass were evaluated. A small-scale field experiment was conducted in northeastern Poland. The experiment had a randomized block design, and it was established on Dystric Cambisol developed from loamy sand. Changes in the uptake of the analyzed macronutrients and their concentrations in winter oilseed rape seeds and straw were affected by fertilization and weather conditions. Supplemental mineral N was applied before sowing to widen the narrow N/P ratio in MBM, which had a beneficial influence on the mineral composition and macronutrient uptake by the aboveground biomass of winter oilseed rape. Macronutrient (N, P, Ca and Mg) uptake by plants was highest in the treatment with the lowest MBM dose (1.0 Mg MBM ha-1) supplemented with 79 kg mineral N (50% N from mineral fertilizer and 50% N from MBM). The results of this study indicate that MBM applied at the dose of 1.0 t ha-1 meets the P and N requirements of winter oilseed rape in 100% and 50%, respectively. Therefore, the recommended mineral N fertilizer rate for winter oilseed rape can be reduced by 50%

Zmiany zawartości przyswajalnych form cynku i miedzi w glebie nawożonej siarką

The concentrations of available forms of trace elements in the soil are mostly determined by their total content and soil processes. Soil organic matter and pH are the key factors affecting the content and mobility of heavy metals in soil. According to many authors, the toxicity of heavy metals and their availability to plants increase due to soil acidification caused by sulfur deposition. The direct and residual effect of sulfur fertilization on changes in the heavy metal content of soil has to be taken into account in environmental analyses in agricultural areas, including environmental impact assessments and predictions. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing doses of sulfate and elemental sulfur on changes in the concentrations of available zinc and copper in soil samples collected at a depth of 0-40 and 40-80 cm. A three-year field experiment was conducted on Dystric Cambisols (FAO), of the granulometric composition of heavy loamy sand. Soil samples were collected from each plot, prior to the establishment of the trials, after each harvest and before sowing the consecutive crop. The soil samples were used to determine the concentrations: Zn and Cu in soil (extractions with 1 mol HCl dm–3, the ratio between soil and extraction – 1:10) was determined by the AAS method using a Schimadzu AA apparatus. The results of the yields and chemical analysis of soil were processed statistically with the analysis of variance. The application of sulfate and elemental sulfur decreased the zinc content of 0-40 and 40-80 cm soil layers, as compared with soil sampled before the experiment. Sulfur fertilization had no effect on changes in copper concentrations in both soil horizons. The sulfur doses applied in the experiment did not affect the natural content of zinc and copper in the soil, and had no negative agricultural or environmental impacts.Procesy glebowe oraz ogólna zawartość metali ciężkich w glebie wpływają na zawartość ich form przyswajalnych. Materia organiczna wraz z pH gleby są najważniejszymi czynnikami kształtującymi zawartość i mobilność metali ciężkich w glebie. Nawożenie gleb siarką przez zakwaszenie może wpływać na zwiększenie toksyczności i biodostępności metali ciężkich dla roślin. Zbadanie bezpośrednich i następczych efektów nawożenia siarką na zmiany zawartości metali ciężkich w glebie ma znaczenie w ocenie skutków oraz monitorowania zmian przyrodniczych warunków na obszarach rolniczych. Celem pracy była ocena wpływu nawożenia wzrastającymi dawkami siarki siarczanowej i elementarnej na zmiany zawartości przyswajalnych form cynku i miedzi w dwóch poziomach gleby: 0-40 i 40-80 cm. Trzyletnie doświadczenie polowe założono na glebie brunatnej, kwaśnej o składzie granulometrycznym piasku gliniastego mocnego. Glebę do analiz chemicznych pobierano wiosną i jesienią. W próbkach glebowych oznaczono zawartość przyswajalnych form cynku i miedzi w wyciągu 1 mol HCl (stosunek gleby do roztworu ekstrakcyjnego wynosił 1:10) metodą absorpcyjnej spektrometrii atomowej. Wyniki analiz chemicznych gleby opracowano statystycznie metodą analizy wariancji. Po zastosowaniu siarki siarczanowej i elementarnej nastąpiło zmniejszenie zawartości Zn w glebie w poziomach 0-40 i 40-80 cm w porównaniu z glebą przed założeniem doświadczenia. Nawożenie siarką nie miało wpływu na zmiany koncentracji przyswajalnej formy miedzi w obu poziomach gleby. Wniesione dawki siarki nie zaburzyły naturalnej zawartości badanych mikroelementów w glebie w aspekcie rolniczo-przyrodniczym

Komposty z odpadow organicznych jako zrodlo skladnikow pokarmowych dla roslin warzywnych

Paper presents the results of studies on the effects of applying 13 different composts produced from sewage sludge (SS) or municipal solid waste (MSW) in some Polish cities using different processing technologies. Composts were tested in pot experiment with root celery and in the next season with the leek on the background of untreated control-commercial horticultural substrate. Application of the composts to soil favourably affected biometric features as well as the yield of tested celery plants. Higher yield and more pronounced effects in the case of celery were observed at application of sewage sludge (SS) composts, as comparing to municipal solid waste (MSW) composts. After-effects of compost application on leek in the second season of studies could not be proven. Considering the total biomass of two tested plants it was found that yield increase amounted from 16% (vermicompost from sewage sludge) to 48% (vermicompost from farm yard manure and MSW compost from Warsaw). In eachy case the compost application resulted in increased nitrogen and potassium accumulation in plant tissues. More nitrogen was taken up by tested crops from growing substrates with SS composts than from MSW composts and it was an opposite tendency in the case of potassium uptake. Despite of the fact that each compost treatments higher phosphorus uptake was noted in comparison to the control however it was not statistically proven.W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań nad nawozowym stosowaniem 13 kompostów wyprodukowanych z osadów ściekowych i stałych odpadów komunalnych w różnych miastach Polski według różnych technologii. Komposty testowano w doświadczeniu wazonowym z uprawą selera, a w roku następnym pora na tle kontroli - handlowego podłoża ogrodniczego. Dodatek kompostów wpłynął korzystnie na cechy morfologiczne i wysokość plonów testowanych roślin warzywnych. Silniejszy wpływ na analizowane cechy morfologiczne i lepsze efekty plonotwórcze w przypadku selera odnotowano dla stosowania kompostów wytworzonych z osadów ściekowych w porównaniu do kompostów wytworzonych ze stałych odpadów komunalnych. Wpływ następczy stosowania kompostów na biomasę pora w następnym sezonie wegetacyjnym okazał się nieistotny. Rozpatrując biomasę obu roślin łącznie stwierdzono, że dodatek kompostów spowodował przyrost plonowania w zakresie od 16% (wermikompost z osadów ściekowych) do 48% (wermikompost z obornika i komposty z mieszanych odpadów komunalnych z Warszawy). W każdym przypadku zastosowania kompostów stwierdzono zwiększoną akumulację azotu i potasu przez rośliny uprawiane w czasie trwania doświadczenia. Więcej azotu pobrały rośliny z podłoża wzbogaconego o komposty wytworzone z osadów ściekowych niż ze stałych odpadów komunalnych, w przypadku potasu tendencja była odwrotna. Mimo, iż w każdym przypadku z obiektów doświadczalnych ze stosowaniem kompostów rośliny pobrały więcej fosforu niż z podłoża kontrolnego, to jednak nie udowodniono tego statystycznie