Does Help in Decision-Making in Biology Help in Decision-Making in Human Sciences and Conversely?

A link between biological and human sciences may be established, under the condition that we should admit the existence of reciprocal influences between them. The model for the regulation of agonistic antagonistic couples (MRAAC) is built from the study of biological systems and gives rise to specific types of control. This model can be helpful in decision processes in some human sciences such as management, economical and political strategies. The reason for such an opportunity lies in the fact that MRAAC is a general and phenomenological model able to incorporate the whole of the agonistic antagonistic systems. This type of regulation might be related to the concept of the viability of a system (yet also valid for human science systems) and to a functional and structural pattern which is the basis for agonistic antagonistic networks.     

Calcium signaling in pancreatic β-cells in health and in Type 2 diabetes

Changes in cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_c) play a crucial role in the control of insulin secretion from the electrically excitable pancreatic β-cell. Secretion is controlled by the finely tuned balance between Ca²⁺ influx (mainly through voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, but also through voltage-independent Ca²⁺ channels like store-operated channels) and efflux pathways. Changes in [Ca²⁺]_c directly affect [Ca²⁺] in various organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, the Golgi apparatus, secretory granules and lysosomes, as imaged using recombinant targeted probes. Because most of these organelles have specific Ca²⁺ influx and efflux pathways, they mutually influence free [Ca²⁺] in the others. In this article, we review the mechanisms of control of [Ca²⁺] in various compartments and particularly the cytosol, the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca²⁺]_ER), acidic stores and mitochondrial matrix ([Ca²⁺]_mito), focusing chiefly on the most important physiological stimulus of β-cells, glucose. We also briefly review some alterations of β-cell Ca²⁺ homeostasis in Type 2 diabetes.     

Interindividual human variation in cisplatinum sensitivity, predictable in an in vitro assay?

Cisplatinum [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)] is one of the most active antitumour agents and its effect is mainly due to the formation of cisplatinum-DNA crosslinks. Formation of cisplatinum-DNA intrastrand crosslinks in nucleated white blood cells of patients was measured, both in (pretreatment) samples exposed in vitro and in cells collected immediately after in vivo exposure to cisplatinum. Large interpatient variations were found. The in vitro results showed a linear correlation with the in vivo data (cc = 0.91). The in vitro measurements of crosslinks may allow prediction of response and avoidance of toxicity in individual patients.     

Sex-associated difference in estrogen receptor β expression in N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced gastric cancers in rats

Epidemiologic studies indicate that the incidence of gastric cancer is higher in males than in females. Although the mechanisms mediating this difference are unclear, a role for estrogens has been proposed. We used Western blotting to evaluate the role of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes ERα and ERβ and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric carcinogenesis in Wistar rats; ERα and ERβ mRNA levels also were analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis. The incidence of gastric cancer was significantly higher in male than female rats. In both sexes, ERα expression was similar in MNNG-treated cancerous and noncancerous tissues and normal gastric tissue. However, ERβ expression in MNNG-treated cancerous and noncancerous tissues was significantly lower in male rats and higher in female rats than that in normal gastric tissue; MNNG-induced cancerous tissue showed the highest ERβ expression. PCNA expression in MNNG-treated cancerous tissues was higher than that in noncancerous tissues, and was higher in male rats than female rats. Western blotting results were consistent with the mRNA changes determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The present study provides evidence of a sex-associated difference in ERβ and PCNA expression in MNNG-induced gastric cancers in Wistar rats.     

Variation in Ambrosia pollen concentration in Southern and Central Poland in 1982–1999

The aim of the study was to investigate theAmbrosia pollen concentrations inselected Polish cities and for Kraków torelate it to some meteorological factors.Sampling was carried out in Kraków in1982–1997 and in Rabka in 1992–1996 with theuse of the gravimetric method. In Zakopane,Kraków, Ostrowiec witokrzyski,Warszawa and Pozna in 1995–1996 both thegravimetric and volumetric methods (Burkardtrap) were employed. In Kraków themonitoring has been performed since 1994 usingthe volumetric method. The results show theragweed pollen presence in August and Septemberwith the tendency to appear more frequently inAugust in some years. In Kraków (1994–1999)Ambrosia pollen was found either in thelast two weeks of August or in the first twoweeks of September which seems to be a regularand repeatable pattern every two years.Seasonal fluctuations of Ambrosia pollenconcentration do not show a clear increasingtendency except at Warszawa and Ostrowiecwitokrzyski in 1996 and at Krakówin 1999. Percentage of Ambrosia pollen inannual sums of total pollen is very low anddoes not exceed 1% except at Ostrowiecwitokrzyski in 1996 (1.2%) and atKraków in 1999 (2%). For Kraków theanalysis of some meteorological factors (Tmax,Tmin, precipitation, wind direction) wasperformed. High temperature and lack of rain orlow precipitation correlate well with ragweedpollen concentrations. During the Ambrosia pollen seasons ESE, E, S, SE, WSW, SWwind directions prevailed which could suggest along-distance transport from Ukraine, the CzechRepublic, Slovakia and also from Hungary, one ofthe most ragweed-polluted countries.     

Exercise early in life in rats born small does not normalize reductions in skeletal muscle PGC-1α in adulthood

We have previously shown that 4 wk of exercise training early in life normalizes the otherwise greatly reduced pancreatic β-cell mass in adult male rats born small. The aim of the current study was to determine whether a similar normalization in adulthood of reduced skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis markers and alterations in skeletal muscle lipids of growth-restricted male rats occurs following early exercise training. Bilateral uterine vessel ligation performed on day 18 of gestation resulted in Restricted offspring born small (P < 0.05) compared with both sham-operated Controls and a sham-operated Reduced litter group. Offspring remained sedentary or underwent treadmill running from 5-9 (early exercise) or 20-24 (later exercise) wk of age. At 24 wk of age, Restricted and Reduced litter offspring had lower (P < 0.05) skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) protein expression compared with Control offspring. Early exercise training had the expected effect of increasing skeletal muscle markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, but, at this early age (9 wk), there was no deficit in Restricted and Reduced litter skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. Unlike our previous observations in pancreatic β-cell mass, there was no "reprogramming" effect of early exercise on adult skeletal muscle such that PGC-1α was lower in adult Restricted and Reduced litter offspring irrespective of exercise training. Later exercise training increased mitochondrial biogenesis in all groups. In conclusion, although the response to exercise training remains intact, early exercise training in rats born small does not have a reprogramming effect to prevent deficits in skeletal muscle markers of mitochondrial biogenesis in adulthood.     

Are changes in maximal squat strength during preseason training reflected in changes in sprint performance in rugby league players?

Because previous research has shown a relationship between maximal squat strength and sprint performance, this study aimed to determine if changes in maximal squat strength were reflected in sprint performance. Nineteen professional rugby league players (height = 1.84 ± 0.06 m, body mass [BM] = 96.2 ± 11.11 kg, 1 repetition maximum [1RM] = 170.6 ± 21.4 kg, 1RM/BM = 1.78 ± 0.27) conducted 1RM squat and sprint tests (5, 10, and 20 m) before and immediately after 8 weeks of preseason strength (4-week Mesocycle) and power (4-week Mesocycle) training. Both absolute and relative squat strength values showed significant increases after the training period (pre: 170.6 ± 21.4 kg, post: 200.8 ± 19.0 kg, p < 0.001; 1RM/BM pre: 1.78 ± 0.27 kg·kg(-1), post: 2.05 ± 0.21 kg·kg(-1), p < 0.001; respectively), which was reflected in the significantly faster sprint performances over 5 m (pre: 1.05 ± 0.06 seconds, post: 0.97 ± 0.05 seconds, p < 0.001), 10 m (pre: 1.78 ± 0.07 seconds, post: 1.65 ± 0.08 seconds, p < 0.001), and 20 m (pre: 3.03 ± 0.09 seconds, post: 2.85 ± 0.11 seconds, p < 0.001) posttraining. Whether the improvements in sprint performance came as a direct consequence of increased strength or whether both are a function of the strength and power mesocycles incorporated into the players' preseason training is unclear. It is likely that the increased force production, noted via the increased squat performance, contributed to the improved sprint performances. To increase short sprint performance, athletes should, therefore, consider increasing maximal strength via the back squat.     

HLA class Ⅱ alleles in human sporotrichosis in Mexican Amerindians

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class Ⅱ alleles are involved in antigen processing and presentation to T lymphocytes during fungal infections. However, few studies have investigated HLA genes in fungal diseases, or in sporotrichosis infections. Here, the frequencies of HLA-DRβ1 in 50 healthy volunteers and 9 patients with sporotrichosis from an endemic area in Mexico were determined to define their role in genetic susceptibility to this infection. Also, the frequencies of HLA-DRβ1 haplotypes were compared with a historic control group of healthy Mexican individuals. The patients presented that DR4 and DR8 increased, which were more than twice the control''s values, whereas local controls (endemic area) presented DR*04:01 increased, compared with the control group from Mexico City. The data suggest that involvement of HLA antigens could affect the outcomes of the host-fungi interaction in sporotrichosis by regulating the immune response to Sporothrix schenckii complex.     

水稻OsCIPK10基因的克隆和功能分析

利用反向遗传学的方法对水稻OsCIPK10基因的功能进行了分析。结果表明,过量表达OsCIPK10基因的转基因水稻与野生型水稻在株型、抗高盐和耐低钾能力方面没有明显差异,但是小RNA干扰表达OsCIPK10基因的转基因水稻表现出显著的抗盐性。在缺钾胁迫条件下OsCIPK10基因的表达升高,推测该基因在应答高盐和低钾的非生物胁迫过程中起作用。OsCIPK10基因启动子与报告基因GUS融合表达的转基因水稻的染色结果显示:OsCIPK10基因呈组成型表达,但是在维管组织表达水平更高。     

实时荧光定量PCR检测RSV胁迫下抗病、感病水稻中与脱落酸相关基因的差异表达

采用实时荧光定量PCR方法测定了水稻条纹病毒(Rice stripe virus,RSV)胁迫下抗性不同品种水稻中与脱落酸相关基因的mRNA转录水平变化.结果表明:感病品种武育梗3号中WGPI、OsGASA2、Polcalcin、OsCBIA、Myb和OsCIPK15基因表达水平均上调,上调比率分别为4.96、5.17、2.01、5.17、12.04和7.84.而抗病品系KT 95-418中,OsGASA2和OsCIPK15基因表达水平下调,下调比率分别为1/5.40和1/2.08;Polcalcin和Myb基因表达水平上调,上调比率分别为4.20和3.86;WGPI和OsCBIA表达量变化不明显.这些结果表明,RSV胁迫能诱导脱落酸相关基因表达量的变化,并且在抗病、感病水稻品种中的表达特征不同,从而提示植物激素脱落酸可能调控了RSV胁迫条件下相关基因的表达.     

Transgenerational Variations in DNA Methylation Induced by Drought Stress in Two Rice Varieties with Distinguished Difference to Drought Resistance

Adverse environmental conditions have large impacts on plant growth and crop production. One of the crucial mechanisms that plants use in variable and stressful natural environments is gene expression modulation through epigenetic modification. In this study, two rice varieties with different drought resistance levels were cultivated under drought stress from tilling stage to seed filling stage for six successive generations. The variations in DNA methylation of the original generation (G0) and the sixth generation (G6) of these two varieties in normal condition (CK) and under drought stress (DT) at seedling stage were assessed by using Methylation Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) method. The results revealed that drought stress had a cumulative effect on the DNA methylation pattern of both varieties, but these two varieties had different responses to drought stress in DNA methylation. The DNA methylation levels of II-32B (sensitive) and Huhan-3 (resistant) were around 39% and 32%, respectively. Genome-wide DNA methylation variations among generations or treatments accounted for around 13.1% of total MSAP loci in II-32B, but was only approximately 1.3% in Huhan-3. In II-32B, 27.6% of total differentially methylated loci (DML) were directly induced by drought stress and 3.2% of total DML stably transmitted their changed DNA methylation status to the next generation. In Huhan-3, the numbers were 48.8% and 29.8%, respectively. Therefore, entrainment had greater effect on Huhan-3 than on II-32B. Sequence analysis revealed that the DML were widely distributed on all 12 rice chromosomes and that it mainly occurred on the gene’s promoter and exon region. Some genes with DML respond to environmental stresses. The inheritance of epigenetic variations induced by drought stress may provide a new way to develop drought resistant rice varieties.     

一个具有S位点的水稻类受体激酶OsSRL参与干旱胁迫反应

植物在进化过程中针对干旱、高盐和高低温等逆境胁迫形成了多种适应机制, 植物类受体激酶作为重要的细胞信号传递分子在植物生长和抗逆境胁迫中发挥着重要功能。该文发现一个具有S位点的类受体激酶基因OsSRL可能参与水稻(Oryza sativa)的干旱胁迫反应。利用RNAi技术降低OsSRL的表达水平后, 转基因植株抗旱性增强, 并表现出幼苗存活率、叶绿素含量及鲜重增加等表型。进一步的研究表明30%PEG和100 μmol·L^–1ABA可诱导OsSRL基因表达, 利用RNAi降低其表达导致干旱诱导基因RAB16A及LEA3表达水平明显增加。表达模式分析发现OsSRL在胚芽、胚根、根、茎节以及花中表达。以上结果表明, OsSRL表达水平的降低增强植物的干旱耐受性, 其作为一个S-位点样类受体激酶可能参与了水稻对干旱胁迫的反应。     

Microarray Analysis Reveals Similarities and Variations in Genetic Programs Controlling Pollination/Fertilization and Stress Responses in Rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa </Emphasis>L.)

Previously, we identified 253 cDNAs that are regulated by pollination/fertilization in rice by using a 10K cDNA microarray. In addition, many of them also appeared to be involved in drought and wounding responses. To investigate this relationship, we obtained their expression profiles after dehydration and wounding treatments in this study. Venn diagram analysis indicated that 53.8% (136/253) and 21% (57/253) of the pollination/fertilization-related genes are indeed regulated by dehydration and wounding, respectively, and nearly half of the genes expressed preferentially in unpollinated pistils (UP) are responsive to dehydration. These results indicated that an extensive gene set is shared among these responses, suggesting that the genetic programs regulating them are likely related. Among them, the genetic network of water stress control may be a key player in pollination and fertilization. Additionally, 39.5% (100/253) cDNAs that are related to pollination/fertilization appear not to be regulated by the stress treatments (dehydration and wounding), suggesting that the existence of additional genetic networks are involved in pollination/fertilization. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the expression profiles of the 253 cDNAs under 18 different conditions (various tissues, treatments and developmental status) revealed that the genetic networks regulating photosynthesis, starch metabolisms, GA- and defense-responses are involved in pollination and fertilization. Taken together, these results provided some clues to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of pollination and fertilization in rice. Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11103-005-3958-4