Emotion recognition in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are impaired in social adaptation and display deficits in social competence. Deficient emotion recognition has been discussed to underlie these social problems. However, comorbid conduct problems have not been considered in the majority of studies conducted so far, and the influence of medication on emotion recognition has rarely been studied. Here, emotion recognition performance was assessed in children with ADHD without medication compared with children with ADHD under stimulant medication and a matched control group. In order to rule out confounding by externalizing symptoms, children with comorbid conduct problems were excluded. Video clips with neutral faces developing a basic emotion (happiness, sadness, disgust, fear and anger) were presented in order to assess emotion recognition. Results indicated between-group differences neither concerning the number of correctly identified emotions nor concerning reaction times and their standard deviations. Thus, we suggest that ADHD per se is not associated with deficits in emotion recognition.     

Active gamma-secretase complexes contain only one of each component

Gamma-secretase is an intramembrane aspartyl protease complex that cleaves type I integral membrane proteins, including the amyloid beta-protein precursor and the Notch receptor, and is composed of presenilin, Pen-2, nicastrin, and Aph-1. Although all four of these membrane proteins are essential for assembly and activity, the stoichiometry of the complex is unknown, with the number of presenilin molecules present being especially controversial. Here we analyze functional gamma-secretase complexes, isolated by immunoprecipitation from solubilized membrane fractions and able to produce amyloid beta-peptides and amyloid beta-protein precursor intracellular domain. We show that the active isolated protease contains only one presenilin per complex, which excludes certain models of the active site that require aspartate dyads formed between two presenilin molecules. We also quantified components in the isolated complexes by Western blot using protein standards and found that the amounts of Pen-2 and nicastrin were the same as that of presenilin. Moreover, we found that one Aph-1 was not co-immunoprecipitated with another in active complexes, evidence that Aph-1 is likewise present as a monomer. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the stoichiometry of gamma-components presenilin:Pen-2:nicastrin:Aph-1 is 1:1:1:1.     

Analysis of antibiotics in urine and wipe samples from environmental and biological monitoring--comparison of HPLC with UV-, single MS- and tandem MS-detection

Results of the simultaneous determination of the structurally different antibiotics cefazoline, cefotiame, cefuroxime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim from environmental and biological monitoring using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV, single mass and tandem mass spectrometry were compared. For sample enrichment and clean-up a SPE method using bakerbond C18 cartridges was developed. Mean recovery rates were above 70%. Because of the complex urine matrix, only the wipe samples could be analyzed by UV-detection. However, UV-detection and single MS-detection are useful for control measurements after spillage, e.g. (LOD=1-2 ng/cm(2)). Samples from biological monitoring of occupational uptake should be analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The limits of detection (LOD) in urine ranged from 0.4 to 70 microg/L for LC-MS and 0.01 to 0.9 microg/L for LC-MS/MS detection. The limits of detection in wipe samples ranged from 0.003 to 0.13 ng/cm(2).     

Signal peptide peptidase: biochemical properties and modulation by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) is an intramembrane aspartyl protease that cleaves remnant signal peptides after their release by signal peptidase. SPP contains active site motifs also found in presenilin, the catalytic component of the gamma-secretase complex of Alzheimer's disease. However, SPP has a membrane topology opposite that of presenilin, cleaves transmembrane substrates of opposite directionality, and does not require complexation with other proteins. Here we show that, upon isolation of membranes and solubilization with detergent, the biochemical characteristics of SPP are remarkably similar to gamma-secretase. The majority of the SPP-catalyzed cleavages occurred at a single site in a synthetic substrate based on the prolactin (Prl) signal sequence. However, as seen with cleavage of substrates by gamma-secretase, additional cuts at other minor sites are also observed. Like gamma-secretase, SPP is inhibited by helical peptidomimetics and apparently contains a substrate-binding site that is distinct from the active site. Surprisingly, certain nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs known to shift the site of proteolysis by gamma-secretase also alter the cleavage site of Prl by SPP. Together, these findings suggest that SPP and presenilin share certain biochemical properties, including a conserved drug-binding site for allosteric modulation of substrate proteolysis.     

A comparison of root architecture and shoot morphology between naturally regenerated and container-grown seedlings of Quercus ilex

We explored the different mechanisms developed by naturally regenerated seedlings of Quercus ilex L. (Holm oak) under Mediterranean conditions compared to container-seedlings commonly used in plantations. We examined the differences in root architecture (including topology and morphology) and shoot parameters. The results showed that there are many differences in the architecture of the root system as well as in the shoot morphology between the two types of seedlings. The naturally regenerated seedlings were smaller with regard to most of the shoot and root parameters, but they developed a longer taproot, only first order lateral roots, and presented a more herringbone-like root system compared to the container seedlings. Conversely, all types of container seedlings, were larger and had a more extended root system with many orders of lateral roots, while their taproot length was restricted within the container’s depth. The quotient log (α)/ log (μ) for all seedlings, showed a tendency to decrease with plant size. A strict herringbone root system with an elongated taproot may be the optimal root architecture for Quercus ilex L. seedlings in order to survive under Mediterranean conditions.     

The fossil fallow deer <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dama geiselana</Emphasis> (Cervidae,Mammalia, upgrade to species level) in the context of migration and local extinctions of fallow deer in the Late and Middle Pleistocene in Europe

The fossil fallow deer Dama dama geiselana Pfeiffer from Neumark-Nord (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany) is upgraded to species level and discussed within the current taxonomy of recent and fossil fallow deer. Typical antler and skeletal characteristics are discussed in comparison with the recent Dama dama, Dama mesopotamica and the fossil species Dama clactoniana, Dama nestii and Dama rhenana. The phylogenetic relationship of fallow deer can be traced back to the Late Pliocene and distinguished morphologically from Cervus elaphus, Cervus nippon and Axis axis. Late and Middle Pleistocene finds from Germany are presented and discussed in the context of the finds from the Mediterranean region and Great Britain. The differences in antler morphology and bone dimensions in West German and North-East German fallow deer from the Late Pleistocene support the hypothesis of different immigration channels, on the one hand from the eastern Mediterranean along the Danube and on the other from the west along the Rhone and Rhine. In the Middle Pleistocene, Dama mesopotamica is considered as the typical fallow deer in the eastern Mediterranean, while in the west, Dama clactoniana is widespread. The hypothesis of immigration from the eastern Mediterranean is supported by the fossil record in Germany with the fallow deer from Edesheim. Conversely, Dama geiselana probably influenced East Mediterranean populations. Special tooth characteristics of Dama geiselana occur with lower frequency in Dama mesopotamica. In the Bronze Age, the fallow deer from Kastanas (Macedonia) shares antler characteristics, the high frequency of specific features of the scapula, and the astragalus with Dama geiselana. A relict population of Dama geiselana probably reached the Eastern Mediterranean at the beginning of the last cold stage.     

Combination of DNA Prime – Adenovirus Boost Immunization with Entecavir Elicits Sustained Control of Chronic Hepatitis B in the Woodchuck Model

A potent therapeutic T-cell vaccine may be an alternative treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Previously, we developed a DNA prime-adenovirus (AdV) boost vaccination protocol that could elicit strong and specific CD8⁺ T-cell responses to woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) core antigen (WHcAg) in mice. In the present study, we first examined whether this new prime-boost immunization could induce WHcAg-specific T-cell responses and effectively control WHV replication in the WHV-transgenic mouse model. Secondly, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of this new vaccination strategy in chronically WHV-infected woodchucks in combination with a potent antiviral treatment. Immunization of WHV-transgenic mice by DNA prime-AdV boost regimen elicited potent and functional WHcAg-specific CD8⁺ T-cell response that consequently resulted in the reduction of the WHV load below the detection limit in more than 70% of animals. The combination therapy of entecavir (ETV) treatment and DNA prime-AdV boost immunization in chronic WHV carriers resulted in WHsAg- and WHcAg-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell responses, which were not detectable in ETV-only treated controls. Woodchucks receiving the combination therapy showed a prolonged suppression of WHV replication and lower WHsAg levels compared to controls. Moreover, two of four immunized carriers remained WHV negative after the end of ETV treatment and developed anti-WHs antibodies. These results demonstrate that the combined antiviral and vaccination approach efficiently elicited sustained immunological control of chronic hepadnaviral infection in woodchucks and may be a new promising therapeutic strategy in patients.     

Woodchuck gamma interferon upregulates major histocompatibility complex class I transcription but is unable to deplete woodchuck hepatitis virus replication intermediates and RNAs in persistently infected woodchuck primary hepatocytes.

Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) is an important mediator with multiple functions in the host defense against viral infection. IFN-gamma, in concert with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), leads to a remarkable reduction of intrahepatic replication intermediates and specific mRNAs of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by a noncytolytic mechanism in the transgenic mouse model. Thus, it is rational to evaluate the potential value of IFN-gamma for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. In the present study, we expressed recombinant woodchuck IFN-gamma (wIFN-gamma) in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells. wIFN-gamma protected woodchuck cells against infection of murine encephalomyocarditis virus in a species-specific manner. It upregulated the mRNA level of the woodchuck major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) heavy chain in permanent woodchuck WH12/6 cells and regulated differentially the gene expression. However, the level of the replication intermediates and specific RNAs of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) in persistently WHV-infected primary woodchuck hepatocytes did not change despite a treatment with 1,000 U of wIFN-gamma per ml or with a combination of wIFN-gamma and woodchuck TNF-alpha. Rather, hepatocytes derived from chronic carriers had an elevated level of the MHC-I heavy-chain mRNAs, most probably due to the exposure to inflammatory cytokines in vivo. Treatment with high doses of wIFN-gamma led to an abnormal cell morphology and loss of hepatocytes. Thus, wIFN-gamma regulates the gene expression in woodchuck hepatocytes but could not deplete WHV replication intermediates and mRNAs in persistently infected hepatocytes. The cellular response to wIFN-gamma may be changed in hepatocytes from chronically WHV-infected woodchucks. It should be clarified in the future whether the continuous exposure of hepatocytes to inflammatory cytokines or the presence of viral proteins leads to changes of the cellular response to wIFN-gamma.     

Cyanobacteria and seasonal death: A new taphonomic model for the Eocene Messel lake

Two new observations lead us to reconsider the taphonomy of Messel. First, several horses as well as turtles indicate death at a specific season although they come from different horizons. Second, specific structures in the Sediments are very similar to those found in Neumark-Nord. There they could be related to Cyanobacteria. Blooms of Cyanobacteria may poison die surface water. From actual observations it is known that animals drinking such poison water collapse immediately and die mostly near or within the water soon. This model might explain why birds and bats are so frequent throughout the entire profile of Messel. Both drink from the water surface during flight. In contrast to volcanic exhalations, assumed so far, such algae blooms occur repeatedly and always during early summer and autumn. An erratum to this article is available at .