Inhibition of IFN-gamma receptor signaling by hepatitis C virus non-structural protein NS4B]

The function of NS4B is incompletely understood. The aim of the study is to understand the influence of NS4B on anti-viral response. After cell line stably expressing NS4B established, the influence of IFN-alpha of different concentration on VSV was studied using plaque assay; cell expression profiling caused by NS4B was studied using DNA microarray, and the IFNGR1 fluorescence intensity was analyzed. Our data showed that HCV-NS4B could suppress immuno-associated gene expression, in particular, IFN-gamma receptor signal transduction-related genes. Taken together, NS4B could play some roles in HCV resistance to IFN therapy.     

Oxygen: a master regulator of pancreatic development?

Beyond its role as an electron acceptor in aerobic respiration, oxygen is also a key effector of many developmental events. The oxygen‐sensing machinery and the very fabric of cell identity and function have been shown to be deeply intertwined. Here we take a first look at how oxygen might lie at the crossroads of at least two of the major molecular pathways that shape pancreatic development. Based on recent evidence and a thorough review of the literature, we present a theoretical model whereby evolving oxygen tensions might choreograph to a large extent the sequence of molecular events resulting in the development of the organ. In particular, we propose that lower oxygenation prior to the expansion of the vasculature may favour HIF (hypoxia inducible factor)‐mediated activation of Notch and repression of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling, limiting endocrine cell differentiation. With the development of vasculature and improved oxygen delivery to the developing organ, HIF‐mediated support for Notch signalling may decline while the β‐catenin‐directed Wnt signalling is favoured, which would support endocrine cell differentiation and perhaps exocrine cell proliferation/differentiation.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Alternaria alternata

Alternaria alternata is of major significance as a food and feed contaminant and is able to produce a range of mycotoxins that may elicit adverse effects in both animals and humans. We describe the isolation and characterization of five microsatellite markers for studying A. alternata. Marker polymorphism was screened in 64 isolates of A. alternata. The number of alleles per locus ranged from eight to 24, and allelic diversity ranged from 0.425 to 0.882. These markers will be useful in the study of relationships and population genetics amongst isolates of A. alternata.     

Experimental evaluation of environmental enrichment of sea turtles

Although behavioral studies have been conducted at zoos and aquaria for years, documentation concerning the effectiveness of environmental enrichment has dealt primarily with terrestrial animals and marine mammals. Few enrichment studies have been conducted on reptiles. For this study, behavioral observations were made on four captive sea turtles (three loggerhead, Caretta caretta, and one blind green, Chelonia mydas) with enrichment present and absent. Enrichment devices were modified for the special needs of the blind turtle. Behaviors were classified as Resting, Pattern Swimming, Random Swimming, Focused Behavior, Aggression, Hiding, Orientation, and Noncategorized Behavior. It was hypothesized that, when enrichment was present, a decrease in Resting and stereotypic Pattern Swimming would be seen along with an increase in Random Swimming and Focused Behavior. It was found that, when no enrichment devices were present, 77% of the turtles' time was spent in Resting and Pattern Swimming. When enrichment devices were provided, 88% of their time was spent in Random Swimming and Focused Behavior with only 8% spent in Pattern Swimming and Resting. Statistically, there were significant increases in Random Swimming (three of the four turtles) and Focused Behavior (4/4) and significant decreases in Resting (3/4) and Pattern Swimming (3/4) when enrichment devices were present. These results suggest that environmental enrichment is as effective with marine reptiles as has been found with other animals and should be encouraged for all captive sea turtles. Zoo Biol 26:407–416, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.