What kind of message does IL-12/IL-23 bring to macrophages and dendritic cells?

The present review illustrates the current knowledge on the autocrine effect of IL-12, and the putative contribution of IL-23, on macrophages and dendritic cells, focusing on cell activation and microbicidal activity. Here, we present convincing evidence that IL-12 is not only a connective element between accessory cells and lymphocytes, but it is also a key molecule for programming the macrophage and dendritic cell functions.     

Mineral and heavy metal status as related to a mortality event and poor recruitment in a moose population in Alaska

Moose (Alces alces) found dead (FD) and hunter-killed (HK) in 1995 on the north slope of Alaska (USA) in the Colville River Drainage were evaluated for heavy metal and mineral status. Compared to previous reports for moose and domestic cattle, and data presented here from Alaska moose outside the Colville River area, levels of Cu were determined to be low in hoof, hair, liver, kidney, rumen contents, and muscle for these north slope moose. Iron (Fe) was low in muscle as well. These findings, in conjunction with evidence of poor calf survival and adult mortality prompted investigation of a mineral deficiency in moose (serum, blood, and hair) captured in the spring of 1996 and 1997. Captured males had higher Ca, Zn and Cu levels in hair than captured females. Female moose hair samples were determined to be low (deficient) in Cu, Ca, Fe, and Se with mean levels (ppm) of 2.77, 599.7, 37.4, and 0.30, respectively. Serum Cu level was low, and to a lesser degree Zn was deficient as well. Whole blood (1997 only) was marginally deficient in Se and all animals were deficient in Cu. Based on whole blood, sera and hair, Cu levels were considered low for moose captured in spring 1996 and 1997 in the Colville River area as compared to published data and other populations evaluated in this study. Low levels of ceruloplasmin activity support this Cu deficiency theory. Evidence indicates that these moose are deficient in Cu and other minerals; however, the remote location precluded sufficient examination of animals to associate this apparent deficiency with direct effects or lesions. Renal levels of Cd increased with age at expected levels.     

Conduction and photoelectrochemical properties of monomeric and electropolymerized tetraruthenated porphyrin films.

The influence of the preparation method on the structure, conduction and photoelectrochemical properties of monomeric and polymeric tetraruthenated porphyrin films on ITO glass and nanocrystalline TiO2 has been investigated. The films were characterized by STM, MAC mode SFM, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and combined electro-/photoelectrochemical techniques. The electronic diffusion coefficient D(e)C(m)2 of the films differed by three to four orders of magnitude depending on the procedure employed for the deposition process. The photoelectrochemical properties were evaluated either: by depositing the films directly on transparent ITO electrodes, under an applied bias potential and presence of O2 as electron acceptor; or by depositing the porphyrin material on nanocrystalline TiO2 in a Gr?tzel-type cell. In the first case the porphyrin films exhibited a typical p-type semiconductor behavior described by a Schottky junction model, while in the second the films behaved as a sensitizer of an n-type semiconductor. The photoelectrochemical properties of the porphyrin films and their performance as sensitizer in Gr?tzel-type cells were found to be strongly dependent on the conductivity and packing characteristics of the material. Semi-empirical calculations were performed by modified MM2 and ZINDO/S methods, in order to simulate the packing and electronic structures of the tetraruthenated porphyrin.     

Fungicide control of Stenocarpella Maydis in the Nigerian Savanna

A survey of farmers' fields in the Savanna zone of Nigeria in 1999 indicated the presence of stalk and cob rots of maize at incidence rates of 15?–?43% and disease severity of 2.0?–?6.7. The causal organism was identified as Stenocarpella maydis (?=?Diplodia maydis). S. maydis was found to reduce seed germination by up to 29.2%. Laboratory and screen house experiments were used to evaluate the efficacy of six seed treatment fungicides indicated that Luxan (a local fungicide of unknown composition), benomyl (Benlate) and mancozeb (Dithane M-45) were more effective than metalaxyl?+?carboxin?+?furathiocarp (Apron-plus), carbendazin?+?maneb (Delsene M) and tetramethylthiuram disulphide?+?hexachlorobenzene (thiram?+?HCB) in controlling S. maydis. Stalk rot severity increased with increasing fertilization rates.     

Evaluation of neem seed powder for Fusarium wilt and Meloidogyne control on tomato

Fusarium wilt and root-knot are important diseases of tomato. The use of chemical is becoming less appealing because of the health implications. Also, the chemicals required are often not within the reach of farmers in most of the developing part of the world. This research is aimed at finding an alternative mode of control. Tomato variety Roma VF inoculated with Meloidogyne and Fusarium were treated with 2 g/kg soil neem seed powder in the screenhouse and 2 Mg ha ^{? 1} in the field. An untreated and Furadan treated plot in the field served as control. Neem seed powder significantly reduced the disease severity of Fusarium and root-knot in both screenhouse and field. Results suggest the possible use of neem seed powder for control of the root-knot nematodes - Fusarium wilt disease complex.     

M2-Polarized Macrophages Determine Human Cutaneous Lesions in Lacaziosis

Lacaziosis is a cutaneous chronic mycosis caused by Lacazia loboi. Macrophages are important cells in the host immune response in fungal infections. The macrophage population exhibits strong plasticity that varies according to the stimuli in the microenvironment of lesions M1 profile promotes a Th1 pattern of cytokines and a microbicidal function and M2 is related to Th2 cytokines and immunomodulatory response. We investigated the population of M1 and M2 polarized macrophages in human cutaneous lesions. A total of 27 biopsies from human lesions were submitted to an immunohistochemistry protocol using antibodies to detect M1 and M2 macrophages (Arginase-1, CD163, iNOS, RBP-J and cMAF). We could observe high number of cells expressing Arginase1, CD163 and c-MAF that correspond to elements of the M2 profile of macrophage, over iNOS and RBP-J (elements of the M1 profile). The results suggest a predominant phenotype of M2 macrophages, which have an immunomodulatory role and probably contributing to chronicity of Lacaziosis.

     

Functional morphology of the taste buds of Florida manatee,Trichechus manatus latirostris

The Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, is a fully aquatic, threatened marine mammal for which increased understanding of their physiology, reproduction, and nutrition supports management decisions. Manatees may use taste to distinguish saltwater gradients, toxin detection, food assessment, and social interactions. This study sought to locate and characterize manatee taste buds comparing location, structure, number, and size to other species. Entire heads from manatees (6 males, 4 females) of various ages were obtained. The muzzle, tissue surrounding the nares, oral cavity, and epiglottis were examined grossly for pits and papillae. Tissues were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. Within the predominant taste bud location, the tongue root, taste bud number was estimated using samples from four animals. The average number of taste buds within the tongue root was 11,534 (range 2,711–23,237) with sparse taste buds located on the soft palate and epiglottis. The location along the lateral surface of the tongue root and bordered by grooves, through which tastants could be easily transported, has functional significance. Large numbers of taste buds within the tongue root suggest that taste is an important component of manatee sensory systems and behavioral research would clarify this.