HUPO World Congress Publication Committee Meeting August 2008, Amsterdam,The Netherlands

The plenary session of the Publications Committee of the Human Proteome Organisation at the 7^th annual HUPO world congress examined the relationship between journals, proteomics standardization initiatives, such as the work of the HUPO‐PSI, and the public domain data repositories. Delegates from industry, academia and the publishing houses discussed how best to bring these bodies closer to together and facilitate the publication process for the bench scientist.     

Proteomics Data Collection – 4th ProDaC Workshop 15 August 2008, Amsterdam,The Netherlands

ProDaC (Proteomics Data Collection), a “Coordination Action” within the 6^th EU framework programme, was created to support the collection, distribution and public availability of data from proteomics experiments. Within the consortium standards are created and maintained enabling an extensive data collection within the proteomics community. Important elements of ProDaC are workshops held twice a year to allow communication between the ProDaC partners and to report the ongoing progress. The most recent assembly was the 4^th ProDaC workshop on August 15^th, 2008, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It took place directly before the 7^th HUPO Annual World Congress (Human Proteome Organisation). Work package coordinators and partners presented the progress achieved since the last meeting. Additionally, an EU official presented funding opportunities for proteomics in the next EU framework programme and five external speakers presented talks about their work in relation to ProDaC.     

7th HUPO World Congress of Proteomics: Launching the Second Phase of the HUPO Plasma Proteome Project (PPP‐2) 16–20 August 2008, Amsterdam,The Netherlands

The HUPO Plasma Proteome Project new phase, PPP‐2, held its initial workshop on 17 August, 2008, at the 7^th World Congress of Proteomics in Amsterdam. Technology platforms, data repositories, informatics, and engagement of research groups for the submission of major datasets were key topics. Plasma is expected to be the common pathway for biomarker development and application through collaboration and integration with other HUPO initiatives.     

Meeting Report of the 2nd International Workshop on 2‐D DIGE Applications in Proteomics

The second international workshop on “2‐D DIGE Applications in Proteomics” took place at the Medizinisches Proteom‐Center, Ruhr‐Universität Bochum, from February 27^th to March 2^nd, 2007. The four day “hands‐on” course was addressed to all interested scientists from the field of Proteomics, inter alia to members of HUPO and DGPF, with a greater focus on image analysis and statistical analysis of 2‐D DIGE experiments.     

Managing the Data Explosion A Report on the HUPO‐PSI Workshop August 2008, Amsterdam,The Netherlands

The plenary session of the Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI) of the Human Proteome Organisation at the 7^th annual HUPO world congress updated the delegates on the current status of the ongoing work of this group. The release of the new MS interchange format, mzML, was formally announced and delegates were also updated on the advances in the area of molecular interactions, protein separations, proteomics informatics and also on PEFF, a common sequence database format currently under review in the PSI documentation process. Community input on this initiative was requested. Finally, the impact these new data standards are having on the data submission process, which increasingly is an integral part of the publication process, was reviewed and discussed.     

News from the Biological Stain Commission No. 12

Abstract

In this 12^th issue of News from the Biological Stain Commission (BSC) under the heading of Regulatory affairs, the Biological Stain Commission’s International Affairs Committee presents information from the meetings of ISO/TC 212/WG 1 Quality and competence in the medical laboratory and ISO/TC 212/WG 3 In vitro diagnostic products both held on 2 – 3 June 2010, plus information on the second plenary meeting of ISO/TC 212 Clinical laboratory testing and in vitro diagnostic test systems held on 4 June 2010. All meetings took place in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Finally, information is provided concerning the 25^th meeting of CEN/TC 140 In vitro diagnostic medical devices held on 23 June 2010 in Berlin, Germany.     

News from the Biological Stain Commission,No. 17

In the 17^th issue of News from the Biological Stain Commission (BSC) under the heading of Regulatory affairs, the Biological Stain Commission’s International Affairs Committee presents information from the 20^th meeting of ISO/TC 212 Clinical laboratory testing and in vitro diagnostic test systems held on October 15 ? 17, 2014 in Toronto, Canada, and from the 29^th meeting of CEN/TC 140 In vitro diagnostic medical devices held on February 3, 2015 in Berlin, Germany.     

Cardiovascular Initiative of the Human Proteome Organisation, 5th Workshop October 2007, Seoul, Korea

The Cardiovascular Initiative (CVI) of the Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO) held its fifth workshop prior to the Sixth Annual HUPO World Congress in Seoul, Korea in October 2007. The objectives of this report are as follows: to trace the (relatively brief) history of the CVI for those who may not be acquainted with it; to highlight lectures given by members of the CVI during this Workshop; and to make the community aware of the aims of this Initiative, including collaborative projects currently under consideration.     

News from the Biological Stain Commission,No. 16

Abstract

In the 16^th issue of News from the Biological Stain Commission (BSC) under the heading of Regulatory affairs, the Biological Stain Commission’s International Affairs Committee presents information from the 28^th meeting of CEN/TC 140 In vitro diagnostic medical devices held on October 23, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. Information is also presented from the 19^th meeting of ISO/TC 212 Clinical laboratory testing and in vitro diagnostic test systems held on October 19 ? 21, 2013 in Singapore.     

Effects of Chronic Ethanol Administration on Serotonin Metabolism in the Various Regions of the Rat Brain

Changes in serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA), its major metabolite, in cerebral cortex, corpus striatum and hippocampus were investigated at 10^th and 21^st days of chronic ethanol ingestion in Wistar rats. Ethanol (7.2% v/v) was given to rats in a modified liquid diet. Biochemical analysis was performed in two groups of ethanol-treated and control rats (n = 6 for each group). Rats in each group were decapitated at the 10^th and 21^st days of ethanol consumption. Brains were removed and cerebral cortex, corpus striatum and hippocampus were dissected. 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels were measured in respective brain regions by using high performance liquid chromatography. In cerebral cortex and corpus striatum, 5-HT levels were significantly lower than control at the 10^th day of ethanol consumption. At the 21^st day, the levels tended to remain low, but not significantly different statistically. In hippocampus, 5-HIAA levels were significantly higher than control at 10^th day of ethanol consumption. Increased 5-HIAA level returned to control values at the 21^st day of ethanol consumption. Our results suggest that, 5-HT clearly seems to play a critical role in the brain at the 10^th day of chronic ethanol consumption.     

Geographical distribution of bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae), including two new records,Nycteribia allotopa and N. formosana,collected from bats (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae and Vespertilionidae) in the Republic of Korea

As part of the 65^th Medical Brigade, U.S. Army, arthropod‐borne disease surveillance program and in collaboration with the Korea National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), bats were captured from caves and abandoned mines in the Republic of Korea. A total of 39 adult bat flies including five species of Nycteribiidae [Penicillidia jenynsii, Nycteribia parvula, N. formosana, N. allotopa mikado, and an unidentified species of Nycteribia (N. cf. formosana)], and one species of Streblidae, Brachytarsina kanoi, were collected from bats belonging to two families, Rhinolophidae and Vespertilionidae. This is the first report of N. allotopa mikado and N. formosana from the Republic of Korea.     

Developmental Changes in Biogenic Amine Levels in the Central Nervous System and the Haemolymph of the Eastern Death's Head Hawk Moth,Acherontia styx (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

In an effort to understand the role of biogenic amines in insect development, changes in the levels of octopamine (OA), dopamine (DA), epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT) in the brain, the optic lobes and the haemolymph of different developmental stages of Acherontia styx were analyzed using HPLC with electrochemical detector. In the brain, OA was the most abundant monoamine. DA, OA, and E levels in larvae peaked around the wandering stage (W). A dramatic increase in DA, 5-HT, and E levels was observed in the brain of the adult as compared to the pupal stage. NE, however, was not detected in the brain of most stages of the insect, except in the brain of 20-day-old pupae and adults. A 3-fold increase in OA levels was observed in the optic lobes of the adult as compared to late pupal stage. No changes were observed for E, DA, and 5-HT. NE was not detected in the optic lobes. In the haemolymph of 5^th instar larvae, OA was also the most abundant amine. Both DA and OA peaked prior to the onset of the W stage. In contrast, E and NE concentrations decreased with development of the 5^th instar larvae. 5-HT was not detected in the haemolymph. Finally, different profiles for amine levels were observed for the two forms of the 5^th instar larvae (green vs brown). These results are interpreted in the light of the role of biogenic amines and their relation to development in the nervous system of lepidopteran insects.     

Developing New Methods to Answer Old and New Questions in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The HUPO Brain Proteome Project (HUPO BPP) held its 21^st workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii. During the 23–24 January 2014 the island became the center of the open workshop of the scientific community.     

Generational and Time Period Differences in American Adolescents’ Religious Orientation, 1966–2014

In four large, nationally representative surveys (N = 11.2 million), American adolescents and emerging adults in the 2010s (Millennials) were significantly less religious than previous generations (Boomers, Generation X) at the same age. The data are from the Monitoring the Future studies of 12^th graders (1976–2013), 8^th and 10^th graders (1991–2013), and the American Freshman survey of entering college students (1966–2014). Although the majority of adolescents and emerging adults are still religiously involved, twice as many 12^th graders and college students, and 20%–40% more 8^th and 10^th graders, never attend religious services. Twice as many 12^th graders and entering college students in the 2010s (vs. the 1960s–70s) give their religious affiliation as “none,” as do 40%–50% more 8^th and 10^th graders. Recent birth cohorts report less approval of religious organizations, are less likely to say that religion is important in their lives, report being less spiritual, and spend less time praying or meditating. Thus, declines in religious orientation reach beyond affiliation to religious participation and religiosity, suggesting a movement toward secularism among a growing minority. The declines are larger among girls, Whites, lower-SES individuals, and in the Northeastern U.S., very small among Blacks, and non-existent among political conservatives. Religious affiliation is lower in years with more income inequality, higher median family income, higher materialism, more positive self-views, and lower social support. Overall, these results suggest that the lower religious orientation of Millennials is due to time period or generation, and not to age.     

Fluid Brain Glycolysis: Limits,Speed, Location,Moonlighting, and the Fates of Glycogen and Lactate

Glycolysis is the core of intermediate metabolism, an ancient pathway discovered in the heydays of classic biochemistry. A hundred years later, it remains a matter of active research, clinical interest and is not devoid of controversy. This review examines topical aspects of glycolysis in the brain, a tissue characterized by an extreme dependence on glucose. The limits of glycolysis are reviewed in terms of flux control by glucose transporters, intercellular lactate shuttling and activity-dependent glycolysis in astrocytes and neurons. What is the site of glycogen mobilization and aerobic glycolysis in brain tissue? We scrutinize the pervasive notions that glycolysis is fast and that catalysis is channeled through supramolecular assemblies. In brain tissue, most glycolytic enzymes are catalytically silent. What then is their function?

     

Report of the 9th HLPP Workshop October 2007, Seoul, Korea

The Human Liver Proteome Project is one of the Human Proteome Initiatives launched by Human Proteome Organization (HUPO). Major achievements of the project have been obtained under the efforts of international collaboration with all the participants since it was formally proposed in 2002. Its updated progresses were presented in the latest workshop held in conjunction with the sixth HUPO World Congress in October, 2007, Seoul, Korea. Furthermore, four topics related to the project as well as other initiatives were lively discussed among all the attendees.     

Assessment of the functional response parameters of Coccinella septempunctata to varying densities of Acyrthosiphon pisum

The functional response of a predator describes the rate at which it kills its prey at different prey densities and is, therefore, an important tool to determine the efficiency of a predator in regulating the population dynamics of a prey. We investigated the functional response of Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to varying densities of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The results revealed that the linear coefficient, P₁ in the reduced logistic model was found significantly negative for the 4^th instar larvae and adult male and female of C. septempunctata (?0.002, ?0.004 and???0.002, respectively) indicating a type II functional response. The parameter estimates of adult male, female and 4^thinstar larvae of C. septempunctata calculated through Holling's disc model revealed that the highest attack rate (a) (1.047?±?0.014), shortest handling time (T_h) (0.0984?±?0.024?h) and largest maximum capture rate (T/T_h) (243.902) was exhibited by female. Parameter estimates calculated through Rogers’s equation also showed the same sequence where maximum attack rate (a) of 0.00256?±?0.0003 was exhibited by female followed by 4^th instar larvae (0.00251?±?0.0005). The shortest handling time (T_h) (0.210?±?0.003?h) and highest maximum capture rate (T/T_h) (114.17) was also exhibited by female. Comparison of functional response curves of adult male, female and 4^th instar larvae revealed that maximum consumption of prey at all the densities offered was shown by female followed by 4^thinstar larvae. The study manifested that C. septempunctata could be an efficient biocontrol agent of pea aphid, A. pisum.     

Cloning of Immune Protein Hemolin cDNA from the Indianmeal Moth, Plodia interpunctella, and its High Induction During Development and by Bacterial Challenge

Partial cDNA of hemolin, an insect immune protein, was cloned from indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella, and the rates of hemolin mRNA expression were demonstrated in each stage of development and also by bacterial injections. A deduced amino acid sequence from the cloned hemolin cDNA was approximately 44‐54% similar to hemolins of 5 other moths. During development the level of hemolin mRNA was the highest at the time of the larval‐pupal matamorphosis. Hemolin was also rapidly induced by the injection of bacteria into the 4^th or the 5^th instar larvae. Hemolin induction rate by bacterial challenge was higher in the 5^th instar larvae than in 4^th instars. Our results suggest that hemolin could have multiple roles that act both on cellular processes during development and on the immune reactions for the resistance to pathogen invasion.     

Towards standard protocols and guidelines for urine proteomics: a report on the Human Kidney and Urine Proteome Project (HKUPP) symposium and workshop, 6 October 2007, Seoul, Korea and 1 November 2007, San Francisco, CA, USA

The Human Kidney and Urine Proteome Project (HKUPP) was initiated in 2005 to promote proteomics research in the nephrology field, to better understand kidney functions as well as pathogenic mechanisms of kidney diseases, and to define novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This project was first approved in 2005 by the Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO) as a Kidney Disease Initiative under an umbrella of the HUPO Disease Biomarker Initiative (DBI), and more recently was approved as the HKUPP Initiative in 2007. Several sub-projects have been planned to achieve the ultimate goals. The most pressing is the establishment of "standard protocols and guidelines for urine proteome analysis". This sub-project had been extensively discussed during the first HKUPP symposium (during 6(th) HUPO Annual World Congress--October 2007, Seoul, Korea) and second workshop (during 40(th) American Society of Nephrology Renal Week--November 2007, San Francisco, CA, USA). Additional data and references have been collected after the symposium and workshop. An initial draft of standard protocols and guidelines for proteome analysis of non-proteinuric urine (urine protein excretion < or =150 mg/day) will soon be released as the first HKUPP product.     

Announcing the call for the Special Issue on the 20th International Congress of the International Union of Pure and Applied Biophysics (IUPAB)—virtual meeting,October 2021

This Commentary describes a call for submissions for the upcoming Special Issue focused on the science presented at the 20^th IUPAB Congress to be held in conjunction with the 45^th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Biophysical Society and the 49^th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 20^th International IUPAB Congress will take place as a virtual meeting this year from October 4 to 8, 2021. This triennial IUPAB Congress will be held in loose conjunction with the 45^th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Biophysical Society and the 49^th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. To act as a complement to this virtual meeting, the Biophysical Reviews journal will base a Special Issue on the scientific topics of the meeting contributors selected from the range of invited speakers and poster presenters. This Special Issue will also work to highlight the host country’s (Brazil) National Biophysical Society. Finally, this Special Issue will also serve to publish the meeting abstracts in supplemental form.Review articles from IUPAB Congress speakers and poster presenters to the IUPAB Congress and associated conferences (the 45^th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Biophysical Society and the 49^th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) are solicited. Similar to the SI based on the 19^th IUPAB Congress held in Edinburgh summarizing Commentaries from session chairs are also requested (Hall and dos Remedios 2017). The Special Issue for the 20^th IUPAB International Congress will be prepared and edited by the current authors (Rosangela Itri, Mauricio Baptista, Richard Garratt, and Antonio Jose Costa-Filho).