Mitochondrial DNA variation in River Usk brown trout, Salmo trutta

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism in the essentially non-anadromous River Usk brown trout Salmo trutta population was investigated by restriction analysis. Following mtDNA extraction and purification on caesium chloride density gradients, monomorphic restriction profiles were obtained with Hae III , Hind III , Sau 3AI and Xbal . However, the restriction endonucleases Ava II and HinfIl proved informative. The distribution of four composite genotypes found within the Usk system was heterogeneous, and a fifth genotype appeared exclusively in an outgroup sample from the adjacent River Wye drainage. The source of the observed genetic variation is discussed in relation to estimated divergence times for Usk mtDNA genotypes and the stocking history of the catchment.     

Quantitative study on the inferior vena cava between the renal vein and diaphragm

50 dissections of the human inferior V. cava have been performed in order to measure its right renal vein - diaphragm, retrohepatic, and suprahepatic segments. We conclude that some individual parameters as skin type, age, height, weight did not influence the magnitude of the studied segments. The average measurements of the different parameters proposed for the inferior V. cava are: 1. The distances between the right renal vein and the diaphragm and between the right renal vein and the right atrium are 113.94 mm and 135.16 mm, respectively; 2. the length of the retrohepatic portion of the inferior V. cava and the suprahepatic one were 78.34 mm and 19.34 mm respectively; 3. the valve of the inferior V. cava is present in 46% of the observations; its length and width averages are 31 mm and 10.22 mm, respectively.     

Baclofen in the Treatment of Spasticity

Baclofen† (Lioresal), a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid, was introduced in 1966 as a possible treatment for spasticity due to corticospinal tract lesions. Preliminary studies suggested that it may be more effective than other spasmolytic agents currently available, and a double-blind controlled trial in a group of 23 patients against placebo has shown it to be significantly more effective.     

The very early evolution of protein translocation across membranes

In this study, we used a computational approach to investigate the early evolutionary history of a system of proteins that, together, embed and translocate other proteins across cell membranes. Cell membranes comprise the basis for cellularity, which is an ancient, fundamental organizing principle shared by all organisms and a key innovation in the evolution of life on Earth. Two related requirements for cellularity are that organisms are able to both embed proteins into membranes and translocate proteins across membranes. One system that accomplishes these tasks is the signal recognition particle (SRP) system, in which the core protein components are the paralogs, FtsY and Ffh. Complementary to the SRP system is the Sec translocation channel, in which the primary channel-forming protein is SecY. We performed phylogenetic analyses that strongly supported prior inferences that FtsY, Ffh, and SecY were all present by the time of the last universal common ancestor of life, the LUCA, and that the ancestor of FtsY and Ffh existed before the LUCA. Further, we combined ancestral sequence reconstruction and protein structure and function prediction to show that the LUCA had an SRP system and Sec translocation channel that were similar to those of extant organisms. We also show that the ancestor of Ffh and FtsY that predated the LUCA was more similar to FtsY than Ffh but could still have comprised a rudimentary protein translocation system on its own. Duplication of the ancestor of FtsY and Ffh facilitated the specialization of FtsY as a membrane bound receptor and Ffh as a cytoplasmic protein that could bind nascent proteins with specific membrane-targeting signal sequences. Finally, we analyzed amino acid frequencies in our ancestral sequence reconstructions to infer that the ancestral Ffh/FtsY protein likely arose prior to or just after the completion of the canonical genetic code. Taken together, our results offer a window into the very early evolutionary history of cellularity.     

CDC2/SPDY transiently associates with endoplasmic reticulum exit sites during oocyte maturation

Background  

Fibronectin 1 (FN1), a glycoprotein component of the extracellular matrix, exerts different functions during reproductive processes such as fertilisation, gastrulation and implantation. FN1 expression has been described to increase significantly from the morula towards the early blastocyst stage, suggesting that FN1 may also be involved in early blastocyst formation. By alternative splicing at 3 defined regions, different FN1 isoforms are generated, each with a unique biological function. The analysis of the alternative FN1 splicing on the one hand and the search for candidate FN1 receptors on the other hand during early bovine embryo development may reveal more about its function during bovine preimplantation embryo development.     

Polyunsaturated fatty acids in treatment of acute remitting multiple sclerosis.

One hundred and sixteen patients with acute remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) took part in a double-blind controlled trial of treatment with polyunsaturated fatty acids and were randomly allocated to one of four groups. Two groups received linoleic acid, one alone as a spread and one with gamma-linolenic acid in capsules (Naudicelle); and two control groups received oleic acid, one as a spread and one in capsules. Rates of clinical deterioration and frequencies of attacks were not significantly different between treated and control groups. Exacerbations were shorter and less severe in patients receiving a high dose of linoleic acid than in controls, but those receiving a lower dose--that is, Naudicelle--showed no such difference. Thus supplementing the diet with 20 g linoleic acid marginally affected the duration and severity of relapses of MS but had no effect on overall disability. The dose of Naudicelle used provided insufficient supplementation.