Neuronal cholinergic control is involved in the modification of cardiac activity and circulation induced by waterborne copper in the chiton Acanthopleura japonica

Cardiac activity and arterial throughput were studied in the chiton Acanthopleura japonica following exposure to waterborne copper. In order to understand the mechanism of copper action, exposure to the metal was combined with injection of the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin, and two cholinergic antagonists, atropine and benzoquinonium. Copper (0.25, 0.33, 0.5, 1 mg l^− 1; 3 h) induced a concentration dependent reduction in heart rate and, at the highest concentration, a reversible arrest of heartbeat. Tetrodotoxin (1 μM), atropine (20 μM) and benzoquinonium (5 μM) significantly antagonized the reduction in heart rate elicited by copper (0.33 mg l^− 1, 3 h). As copper also induced a reduction of heartbeat amplitude and consequent arterial throughput, these results support the hypothesis that the metal activates an extrinsic cholinergic control of heart activity in chitons, resulting in a decrease in haemolymph circulation and, consequently, of metal uptake through the gills.     

Play and social dynamics in a captive herd of gelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada)

Here, we provide quantitative data concerning adult and immature play distribution in geladas discussing the results in the light of their social dynamics. Sex differences in immature play does not seem to reflect sex differences in adult role; in fact, frequency, modality (C-play and LR-play), and motivation (measured by play initiations) to play did not vary according to the different sex-class combinations. The occurrence of adult-adult play suggests that geladas are characterized by an apparent more than actual rigidity in their social relationships and this is particularly evident in females which show peculiar traits in the use of social play. Specifically, adult females played with other adult females as much as with immature ones, thus suggesting their high motivation to engage in such interactions. This adult play behavioural pattern is typical of species showing relaxed/fluid more than despotic/rigid social relationships. Such assumption is also supported by the positive correlation observed between play and affinitive behaviours (grooming and agonistic support) found within each age-category (adult females and immature subjects). This evidence, together with the lack of correlation between aggressive contacts and social play, suggests that geladas use play for social assessment purposes and/or to increase their social affiliation levels.     

Matrix metalloproteinases in plants: a brief overview

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases belonging to the metzincin clan. MMPs have been characterized in detail in mammals, and they have been shown to play key roles in many physiological and pathological processes. Plant MMP-like proteases exist, but relatively few have been characterized. It has been speculated that plant MMPs are involved in remodeling of the plant extracellular matrix during growth, development and stress response. However, the precise functions and physiological substrates in higher plants remain to be determined. In this brief overview, we summarize the current knowledge of MMPs in higher plants and algae.     

Influence of milk-feeding type and genetic risk of developing coeliac disease on intestinal microbiota of infants: the PROFICEL study

Interactions between environmental factors and predisposing genes could be involved in the development of coeliac disease (CD). This study has assessed whether milk-feeding type and HLA-genotype influence the intestinal microbiota composition of infants with a family history of CD. The study included 164 healthy newborns, with at least one first-degree relative with CD, classified according to their HLA-DQ genotype by PCR-SSP DQB1 and DQA1 typing. Faecal microbiota was analysed by quantitative PCR at 7 days, and at 1 and 4 months of age. Significant interactions between milk-feeding type and HLA-DQ genotype on bacterial numbers were not detected by applying a linear mixed-model analysis for repeated measures. In the whole population, breast-feeding promoted colonization of C. leptum group, B. longum and B. breve, while formula-feeding promoted that of Bacteroides fragilis group, C. coccoides-E. rectale group, E. coli and B. lactis. Moreover, increased numbers of B. fragilis group and Staphylococcus spp., and reduced numbers of Bifidobacterium spp. and B. longum were detected in infants with increased genetic risk of developing CD. Analyses within subgroups of either breast-fed or formula-fed infants indicated that in both cases increased risk of CD was associated with lower numbers of B. longum and/or Bifidobacterium spp. In addition, in breast-fed infants the increased genetic risk of developing CD was associated with increased C. leptum group numbers, while in formula-fed infants it was associated with increased Staphylococcus and B. fragilis group numbers. Overall, milk-feeding type in conjunction with HLA-DQ genotype play a role in establishing infants' gut microbiota; moreover, breast-feeding reduced the genotype-related differences in microbiota composition, which could partly explain the protective role attributed to breast milk in this disorder.     

Inflammatory cytokine expression is associated with chikungunya virus resolution and symptom severity

The Chikungunya virus infection zones have now quickly spread from Africa to parts of Asia, North America and Europe. Originally thought to trigger a disease of only mild symptoms, recently Chikungunya virus caused large-scale fatalities and widespread economic loss that was linked to recent virus genetic mutation and evolution. Due to the paucity of information on Chikungunya immunological progression, we investigated the serum levels of 13 cytokines/chemokines during the acute phase of Chikungunya disease and 6- and 12-month post-infection follow-up from patients of the Italian outbreak. We found that CXCL9/MIG, CCL2/MCP-1, IL-6 and CXCL10/IP-10 were significantly raised in the acute phase compared to follow-up samples. Furthermore, IL-1β, TNF-α, Il-12, IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-5 had low initial acute phase levels that significantly increased at later time points. Analysis of symptom severity showed association with CXCL9/MIG, CXCL10/IP-10 and IgG levels. These data give insight into Chikungunya disease establishment and subsequent convalescence, which is imperative to the treatment and containment of this quickly evolving and frequently re-emerging disease.     

Ontogenetic trajectories of chimpanzee social play: similarities with humans

Social play, a widespread phenomenon in mammals, is a multifunctional behavior, which can have many different roles according to species, sex, age, relationship quality between playmates, group membership, context, and habitat. Play joins and cuts across a variety of disciplines leading directly to inquiries relating to individual developmental changes and species adaptation, thus the importance of comparative studies appears evident. Here, we aim at proposing a possible ontogenetic pathway of chimpanzee play (Pan troglodytes) and contrast our data with those of human play. Chimpanzee play shows a number of changes from infancy to juvenility. Particularly, solitary and social play follows different developmental trajectories. While solitary play peaks in infancy, social play does not show any quantitative variation between infancy and juvenility but shows a strong qualitative variation in complexity, asymmetry, and playmate choice. Like laughter in humans, the playful expressions in chimpanzees (at the different age phases) seem to have a role in advertising cooperative dispositions and intentions thus increasing the likelihood of engaging in solid social relationships. In conclusion, in chimpanzees, as in humans, both play behavior and the signals that accompany play serve multiple functions according to the different age phases.     

Quantification of Imatinib Plasma Levels in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Comparison Between HPLC–UV and LC–MS/MS

Measurement of imatinib plasma concentration can be useful to evaluate patient adherence to daily oral therapy, potential drug–drug interaction, treatment efficacy, and severe drug-related adverse events. The aim of this study was to correlate the two different blood level test methods, HPLC–UV and LC–MS/MS. We analyzed 162 plasma samples from patients treated with imatinib. We estimated the correlation between the two analytical methods on total data set and on five sets of patients grouped into different categories based on the drug-dose therapy. Finally, imatinib quantification was correlated with genetic data on the molecular response in monitoring follow-up of CML patients.