“Knock once for yes,twice for no”

Previous studies have indicated that the expression of CCN3, a member of the CCN family of proteins, was tightly regulated during central nervous development and was associated with acquisition of cognitive functions in rats (Perbal, Mol Pathol 54(2):57–79, 2001; Su et al. Sheng Li Xue Bao 52(4):290–294, 2000) therefore suggesting that CCN3 might be involved in higher levels of physiological communication in the brain. In spite of the considerable amount of progress made into the understanding of neuronal organization and communication, reducing the knowledge gap between brain cellular biology and behavioral studies remains a huge challenge. Mind-to-mind communication has been the subject of numerous science fiction writings, intense research and emotional debates for many years. Scientists have tried for a long time to achieve transmission of messages between living subjects via non intrusive protocols. Thanks to the great progress made in imagery and neurosciences, another dimension of neuronal function in communication has now been documented. Two recent experimental demonstrations of direct brain to brain communication without physical contact (Grau et al. (2014) Conscious brain-to-brain communication in humans using non-invasive technologies. PLoS One. Aug 19;9(8)- - Rao et al. (2014) A direct brain-to-brain interface in humans. PLoS One. Nov 5;9(11)) pave the road to more sophisticated applications that could profoundly affect communications of humans with other humans, animals and machines. Although the wide use of such applications might seem a long way off, they raise quite a number of ethical, legal and societal issues.     

Entrails,heart, brain,limbs, and lymphatics- a recipe for success?

A recent Juan March Foundation workshop entitled Developmental Mechanisms in Vertebrate Organogenesis brought 50 developmental biologists together in Madrid to share some of their latest findings. Discussion topics included ectodermal organs such as the central nervous system (CNS) and skin, mesodermal organs such as the heart, limb, vasculature, and kidney, and endodermal organs such as the pancreas and liver. Discussions extended into the late hours of the night as the meeting participants indulged in tasting some of their favorite organs, in the form of Spanish delicacies.     

Mitochondria--a nexus for aging, calorie restriction, and sirtuins?

Recent studies of calorie restriction in several organisms demonstrate an increase in mitochondrial activity that is associated with the salutary effects of this dietary restriction regimen. In this Essay, I speculate on how an increase in mitochondrial activity might provide benefit and discuss how diet, mitochondria, and sirtuins might interact in a pathway to slow aging and associated diseases.     

The invasive Leptoglossus seed bug,a threat for commercial seed crops,but for conifer diversity?

Among the recent introductions of alien insects in Europe, the polyphagous western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Heteroptera; Coreidae) can seriously be regarded as a major threat for all the European conifer forests. In the current study combining laboratory and field experimentations, we characterized first bug damage by developing specific damage categories on seeds of different conifer species by the use of X-ray. Secondly, we investigated the impact of the invasive bug on key conifer species used for afforestation in Western and Central Europe. For this purpose, we performed germination tests on predated seeds which revealed that even light damage (consumption of <1/3 of the whole seed content) strongly reduced the germination capability of the seed. We also compared the impact of feeding on the proportion of filled seeds. Second year cones of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra have been enclosed and offered to different life stages (nymphs and adults) and the results showed a significant reduction of filled seeds whatever the life stage. In field, we annually surveyed the bug seed damage for six different conifer species planted in southwestern French seed orchards. Taking into account the economic value of improved seeds in seed orchards, economic impact of bug damage was important although never exceeded 25 %. Two natural or semi-natural alpine pine stands were also surveyed and appeared to be highly affected by the bug (up to 70 % of damaged seeds). Therefore, bug damage could also be considered as a serious threat for seed production in natural stands.     

Is mPTP the gatekeeper for necrosis, apoptosis, or both?

Permeabilization of the mitochondrial membranes is a crucial step in apoptosis and necrosis. This phenomenon allows the release of mitochondrial death factors, which trigger or facilitate different signaling cascades ultimately causing the execution of the cell. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) has long been known as one of the main regulators of mitochondria during cell death. mPTP opening can lead to matrix swelling, subsequent rupture of the outer membrane, and a nonspecific release of intermembrane space proteins into the cytosol. While mPTP was purportedly associated with early apoptosis, recent observations suggest that mitochondrial permeabilization mediated by mPTP is generally more closely linked to events of late apoptosis and necrosis. Mechanisms of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization during cell death, involving three different mitochondrial channels, have been postulated. These include the mPTP in the inner membrane, and the mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) in the outer membrane. New developments on mPTP structure and function, and the involvement of mPTP, MAC, and VDAC in permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes during cell death are explored. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Mitochondria: the deadly organelle.     

Correlation Relation for the Membrane Transport ParametersLp, σ, and ω

We derive a formula for the correlation of the three practical transportparameters L_p, , and appearing in Kedem-Katchalskyequations. It has a form = KL_p/v_s(1-), where K = 0.0306 is a universal constant independent ofthe choice of a membrane and a solute. It can be used to calculate the valueof any of these parameters, provided the other two and the molar volume of the solute are known. The formula couldbe very useful, in particular when measurements of the parameters aredifficult or even impossible.     

Protein stains for proteomic applications: which, when, why?

This review recollects literature data on sensitivity and dynamic range for the most commonly used colorimetric and fluorescent dyes for general protein staining, and summarizes procedures for the most common PTM-specific detection methods. It also compiles some important points to be considered in imaging and evaluation. In addition to theoretical considerations, examples are provided to illustrate differential staining of specific proteins with different detection methods. This includes a large body of original data on the comparative evaluation of several pre- and post-electrophoresis stains used in parallel on a single specimen, horse serum run in 2-DE (IPG-DALT). A number of proteins/protein spots are found to be over- or under-revealed with some of the staining procedures.     

Is dietary restriction beneficial for human health, such as for immune function?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The impact of dietary restriction on physiologic function in humans is now beginning to be examined. The clinical trials are fueled by decades of animal experiments showing that dietary restriction delays the aging process and decreases the incidence of many age-associated diseases. The critical issue addressed in this article is whether or not dietary restriction long term is feasible or beneficial in humans. RECENT FINDINGS: Short-term dietary restriction in humans does appear to have beneficial effects at lowering metabolism, especially when examining carbohydrates and weight loss. Dietary restriction long term does, however, have detrimental psychological effects in humans, making its feasibility questionable. Even short-term dietary restriction can negatively impact physical activity and potentially some aspects of immunity. The best avenue for humans to benefit from dietary restriction would be for pharmacological or bioactive food ingredient mimetics to be developed which would be more applicable for long-term use. SUMMARY: Dietary restriction per se is unlikely to emerge as a feasible long-term strategy to improve human health. Developing dietary restriction mimetics targeting energy metabolism may prove beneficial, not only in aging, but also in diabetes and obesity.     

CONSTRICTING ESOPHAGEAL LESIONS—Colon Interposition for Replacement,Combined With Radiotherapy for Carcinoma

The use of colon for esophageal replacement is a procedure that should be considered in the treatment of benign and malignant esophageal lesions. The five-year survival data following operations for carcinoma of the esophagus are not outstanding. The combination of colon transplantation and radiotherapy before and after operation is a procedure that should be utilized if an effort is to be made to increase the survival rate.     

Traditional,Indigenous, or Leafy? A Definition,Typology, and Way Forward for African Vegetables

Economic Botany - Traditional, Indigenous, or Leafy? A Definition, Typology, and Way Forward for African Vegetables. Around 1000 different species of indigenous and naturalized vegetables...     

DNA helicases: one small step for PcrA, one giant leap for RecBC?

One might imagine that the mechanism of helicases would relate to the number of base pairs that are unwound for each ATP that is hydrolysed. Recent studies, however, suggest the situation can be more complicated than this.     

Programs,databases, and expert systems for human geneticists — a survey

We present an overview of the variety of databases and programs that offer substantial aid to medical and molecular geneticists. Databases and expert systems for genetic diseases and birth defects, programs for segregation and linkage analysis, certain DNA and protein sequence databases, and information resources in general for molecular biology are addressed. These systems cannot be used effectively without the newly developed techniques of information exchange based on international computer networks. A short introduction is given to the Internet and to European institutions and organizations that offer help with the aquisition and use of bioinformatic resources.