CASSIOPE: An expert system for conserved regions searches

Background  

Understanding genome evolution provides insight into biological mechanisms. For many years comparative genomics and analysis of conserved chromosomal regions have helped to unravel the mechanisms involved in genome evolution and their implications for the study of biological systems. Detection of conserved regions (descending from a common ancestor) not only helps clarify genome evolution but also makes it possible to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and investigate gene function.     

Conceptual framework and rationale

The sterile insect technique (SIT) has been shown to be an effective and sustainable genetic approach to control populations of selected major pest insects, when part of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programmes. The technique introduces genetic sterility in females of the target population in the field following their mating with released sterile males. This process results in population reduction or elimination via embryo lethality caused by dominant lethal mutations induced in sperm of the released males. In the past, several field trials have been carried out for mosquitoes with varying degrees of success. New technology and experience gained with other species of insect pests has encouraged a reassessment of the use of the sterility principle as part of integrated control of malaria vectors. Significant technical and logistic hurdles will need to be overcome to develop the technology and make it effective to suppress selected vector populations, and its application will probably be limited to specific ecological situations. Using sterile males to control mosquito vector populations can only be effective as part of an AW-IPM programme. The area-wide concept entails the targeting of the total mosquito population within a defined area. It requires, therefore, a thorough understanding of the target pest population biology especially as regards mating behaviour, population dynamics, dispersal and level of reproductive isolation. The key challenges for success are: 1) devising methods to monitor vector populations and measuring competitiveness of sterile males in the field, 2) designing mass rearing, sterilization and release strategies that maintain competitiveness of the sterile male mosquitoes, 3) developing methods to separate sexes in order to release only male mosquitoes and 4) adapting suppression measures and release rates to take into account the high reproductive rate of mosquitoes. Finally, success in area-wide implementation in the field can only be achieved if close attention is paid to political, socio-economic and environmental sensitivities and an efficient management organization is established taking into account the interests of all potential stakeholders of an AW-IPM programme.     

Historical applications of induced sterilisation in field populations of mosquitoes

Research on sterile mosquito technology from 1955 to the 1980s provided a substantial body of knowledge on propagation and release of sterile mosquitoes. Radiation sterilisation and chemosterilisation have been used effectively to induce dominant lethality and thereby sterilise important mosquito vectors in the laboratory. Experimental releases of chemosterilised males provided complete control of Anopheles albimanus in a small breeding population (14-15 sq km) in El Salvador. Releases of radiation sterilised males failed to control either Aedes aegypti or Anopheles quadrimaculatus in the USA. Releases of radiation-sterilised and chemosterilised male Culex quinquefasciatus in the USA and India were successful in some instances. Development of genetic sexing systems for Anopheles and improved physical separation methods for Culex have made it possible to rear and release males almost exclusively (> 99%) minimizing the release of potential vectors, the females. Factors that affected efficacy in some field programmes included reduction of competitiveness by radiation, immigration of fertilized females from outside the release zones, and inability of laboratory-bred males to perform in the wild. Despite significant progress, institutional commitments to carry the process further were generally lacking in the late 1970s and until recently. Now, with renewed interest and support for further assessment of this technology, this paper summarizes the current knowledge base, prioritizes some areas of investigation, and challenges scientists and administrators to maintain an awareness of progress, remain realistic about the interpretation of new findings, and make decisions about the sterile insect technique on the basis of informed scientific documentation. Areas recommended for priority research status include the establishment of genetic sexing mechanisms that can be transferred to other mosquito species, re-examination of radiation sterilisation, aerial release technology and mass rearing.     

Cell-associated hemolysis activity in the clinical strain of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas fluorescens MFN1032</Emphasis>

Background  

MFN1032 is a clinical Pseudomonas fluorescens strain able to grow at 37°C. MFN1032 cells induce necrosis and apoptosis in rat glial cells at this temperature. This strain displays secretion-mediated hemolytic activity involving phospholipase C and cyclolipopeptides. Under laboratory conditions, this activity is not expressed at 37°C. This activity is tightly regulated and is subject to phase variation.     

Periodontal therapy increases neutrophil extracellular trap degradation

In periodontitis, polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) are activated. They entrap and eliminate pathogens by releasing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Abnormal NET degradation is part of a pro-inflammatory status, affecting co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the ex vivo NET degradation capacity of plasma from periodontitis patients compared to controls (part 1) and to quantify NET degradation before and after periodontal therapy (part 2). Fresh NETs were obtained by stimulating blood-derived PMNs with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Plasma samples from untreated periodontitis patients and controls were incubated for 3 h onto freshly generated NETs (part 1). Similarly, for part 2, NET degradation was studied for 91 patients before and 3, 6 and 12 mo after non-surgical periodontal therapy with and without adjunctive systemic antibiotics. Finally, NET degradation was fluorospectrometrically quantified. NET degradation levels did not differ between periodontitis patients and controls, irrespective of subject-related background characteristics. NET degradation significantly increased from 65.6 ± 1.7% before periodontal treatment to 75.7 ± 1.2% at 3 mo post periodontal therapy, and this improvement was maintained at 6 and 12 mo, irrespective of systemic usage of antibiotics. Improved NET degradation after periodontitis treatment is another systemic biomarker reflecting a decreased pro-inflammatory status, which also contributes to an improved cardiovascular condition.     

Adverse environmental conditions influence age-related innate immune responsiveness

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging disorder that belongs to a group of conditions called laminopathies which affect nuclear lamins. Mutations in two genes, LMNA and ZMPSTE24, have been found in patients with HGPS. The p.G608G LMNA mutation is the most commonly reported mutation. The aim of this work was to compile a comprehensive literature review of the clinical features and genetic mutations and mechanisms of this syndrome as a contribution to health care workers. This review shows the necessity of a more detailed clinical identification of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome and the need for more studies on the pharmacologic and pharmacogenomic approach to this syndrome.     

Freshwater crayfish invasions in South Africa: past,present and potential future

Freshwater crayfish invasions have been studied around the world, but less so in Africa, a continent devoid of native freshwater crayfish. The present study reviews historical and current information on alien freshwater crayfish species introduced into South Africa and aims to indicate which areas are at risk from invasion. As is the case elsewhere, South Africans have shown a keen interest in both farming and keeping freshwater crayfish as pets, which has resulted in Cherax cainii, Cherax destructor, Cherax quadricarinatus and Procambarus clarkii being introduced to the country. There is evidence of successful establishment in the wild for C. quadricarinatus and P. clarkii in different parts of the country. Species distribution models suggest that the eastern part of the country and parts of the Eastern and Western Cape are at higher risk of invasion. At present, illegal translocations represent the most likely pathway of crayfish spread in South Africa. A continued risk of invasion by freshwater crayfish species in South Africa is highlighted, which reinforces the need for more research, as well as for strong mitigation measures, such as stronger policing of existing regulations, management or eradication where feasible and public education.     

The PagN protein of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmonella enterica</Emphasis> serovar Typhimurium is an adhesin and invasin

Background  

The pagN gene of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a PhoP-regulated gene that is up-regulated during growth within macrophages and in vivo in murine models of infection. The PagN protein displays similarity to the Hek and Tia invasins/adhesins of Escherichia coli. Thus far no function has been ascribed to the PagN protein.     

Dimerization of Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase alpha in living cells

Background  

Dimerization is an important regulatory mechanism of single membrane-spanning receptors. For instance, activation of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases (RPTKs) involves dimerization. Structural, functional and biochemical studies suggested that the enzymatic counterparts of RPTKs, the receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs), are inhibited by dimerization, but whether RPTPs actually dimerize in living cells remained to be determined.     

Nebivolol and airway responsiveness in the rabbit

Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists are currently used as first-line therapy in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris, but are contraindicated or used with caution in patients with bronchospastic syndromes. In this study we evaluated in vivo the effects of nebivolol on airway responsiveness compared to atenolol, pindolol, and propranolol. In New Zealand white rabbits total lung resistance (R(L)) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) were calculated. In acute protocol, the animals were intravenously injected with the beta-blockers at different doses while in the chronic protocol, animals were daily injected for 30 days. Furthermore, the changes induced by beta-blockers (higher doses) in R(L) and Cdyn after a treatment with salbutamol were calculated. In acute treatment, airway responsiveness to histamine was not modified by nebivolol at any dosage, but increased significantly following the exposure to the higher doses of the other beta-blockers. In chronic treatment, the thirty-day exposure to nebivolol, did not modify the airway responsiveness to histamine, whereas the other beta-blockers significantly increased airway responsiveness. Moreover, nebivolol affected the salbutamol-induced relaxation less markedly than other beta-blockers do. These data demonstrate that nebivolol respect the other beta-blockers used in this study, does not significantly affect the airway responsiveness, therefore it could be used in patients with both cardiovascular and bronchial diseases more safely than other beta-blockers drugs.