The antidepressant-like effect of Ocimum basilicum in an animal model of depression

We investigated the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum (OB) essential oils for treating depression related behavioral, biochemical and histopathological changes caused by exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in mice and to explore the mechanism underlying the pathology. Male albino mice were divided into four groups: controls; CUMS; CUMS plus fluoxetine, the antidepressant administered for pharmacological validation of OB; and CUMS plus OB. Behavioral tests included the forced swim test (FST), elevated plus-maze (EPM) and the open ?eld test (OFT); these tests were performed at the end of the experiment. We assessed serum corticosterone level, protein, gene and immunoexpression of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) as well as immunoexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ki67, caspase-3 in the hippocampus. CUMS caused depression in the mice as evidenced by prolonged immobility in the FST, prolonged time spent in the open arms during the EPM test and reduction of open field activity in the OFT. OB ameliorated the CUMS induced depressive status. OB significantly reduced the corticosterone level and up-regulated protein and gene expressions of BDNF and GR. OB reduced CUMS induced hippocampal neuron atrophy and apoptosis, and increased the number of the astrocytes and new nerve cells. OB significantly increased GFAP-positive cells as well as BDNF and GR immunoexpression in the hippocampus.     

The effect of various types of portocaval anastomoses and hepatic artery ligation on the metabolism of hepatic mitochondria in rats

The results of investigations are presented concerning the disorders of metabolism of mitochondria isolated from the liver of rats after various operations on the portal vein and hepatic artery. The mitochondria were studied after end-to-side portocaval anastomosis (PCA), end-to-side anastomosis of the mesenteric vein to the inferior caval vein (M-PCA) and after hepatic artery ligation. The investigations were carried out 3.5 months after these operations. The obtained results showed that the greatest and most significant statistically dissociation of oxidative phosphorylation and reduction of oxygen uptake developed in the mitochondria isolated from rats after M-PCA anastomosis. Simultaneously conducted investigations of citrulline production by suspension of mitochondria failed to demonstrate any changes in the urea cycle.     

The Life History of Chactas reticulatus Kraepelin, 1912 (Scorpiones, Chactidae), with a Comparative Analysis of the Reproductive Traits of Three Scorpion Lineages in Relation to Habitat

An account is given of the life history, growth, population densities, habitat, reproductive systems, courtship and mating, litter size and sex ratio, iteroparity, molting and development of the scorpion Chactas reticulatus Kraepelin. These same traits are compared in three distinct scorpion lineages, buthid, chactid and ischnurid in relation to habitat characteristics. Correlations are drawn between reproductive and adaptative strategies, and it is suggested that if non-buthid scorpions may present some homogeneity as equilibrium species, buthid scorpions are not necessarily opportunistic species. Many groups can be characterized within the buthids, and these different lineages show variable ecological requirements.     

Application of Empirical Wave Run-Up Formulas to the Polish Baltic Sea Coast

Advanced, multidimensional models are typically applied when researching processes occurring in the nearshore. Relatively simple, empirical equations are commonly used in coastal engineering practice in order to estimate extreme wave run-up on beaches and coastal structures. However, they were mostly calibrated to the characteristics of oceanic coasts, which have different wave regime than a semi-enclosed basin like the Baltic Sea. In this paper we apply the formulas to the Polish Baltic Sea coast. The equations were adjusted to match local conditions in two test sites in Międzyzdroje and Dziwnówek, where beaches are under continuous video surveillance. Data from WAM wave model and coastal gauge stations were used, as well as precise measurements of the beaches'' cross-sections. More than 600 run-up events spanning from June to December 2013 were analysed, including surges causing dune erosion. Extreme wave run-up R_2% was calculated and presented as a percentage value indicating what part of the beach was inundated. The method had a root-mean-square error of 6.1 and 6.5 percentage points depending on the test site. We consider it is a fast and computationally undemanding alternative to morphodynamic models. It will constitute a part of the SatBałtyk Operating System-Shores, delivering forecasts of wave run-up on the beaches for the entire Polish coastline.     

Molecular evolution of P transposable elements in the genus Drosophila. III. The melanogaster species group

Phylogenetic relationships were determined for 76 partial P-element sequences from 14 species of the melanogaster species group within the Drosophila subgenus Sophophora. These results are examined in the context of the phylogeny of the species from which the sequences were isolated. Sequences from the P-element family fall into distinct subfamilies, or clades, which are often characteristic for particular species subgroups. When examined locally among closely related species, the evolution of P elements is characterized by vertical transmission, whereby the P-element phylogeny traces the species phylogeny. On a broader scale, however, the P-element phylogeny is not congruent with the species phylogeny. One feature of P-element evolution in the melanogaster group is the presence of more than one P-element subfamily, differing by as much as 36%, in the genomes of some species. Thus, P elements from several individual species are not monophyletic, and a likely explanation for the incongruence between P-element and species phylogenies is provided by the comparison of paralogous sequences. In certain instances, horizontal transfer seems to be a valid alternative explanation for lack of congruence between species and P-element phylogenies. The canonical P-element subfamily, which represents the active, autonomous transposable element, is restricted to D. melanogaster. Thus, its origin clearly lies outside of the melanogaster species group, consistent with the earlier conclusion of recent horizontal transfer.      

Über die feinere Histologie des Nervengewebes in der Membrana tympani,Membrana tympani secundaria und Mucosa der Paukenhöhle von Mensch und Hund

Zusammenfassung Mit der Silbermethode nach Bielschowsky-Gros, der Methylenblau-Vitalfärbung und der Markscheidenfärbung nach Benda Spielmeyer wurde das Nervengewebe in der Membrana tympani, in der Membrana tympani secundaria und in der Schleimhaut des Cavum tympani bei Mensch und Hund untersucht. Es wurden keine Schnitte, sondern Totalpräparate verwendet.     

Weitere histologische Beobachtungen über die vegetative Innervation des membranösen Labyrinthes

Zusammenfassung Das vegetative Nervensystem entwickelt in allen Abschnitten des membranösen Labyrinths einen intramuralen Plexus. Die marklosen Nervenfasern dieses Plexus entstammen den Gefäßnerven, beim Hund auch den intramuralen Ganglienzellen. Letztere lassen sich den beiden Dogielschen Zelltypen zuordnen und besitzen häufig auffallend randständige Kerne.Das subepitheliale Neurofibrillengeflecht bildet die letzte Endausbreitung des intramuralen Nervensystems im Innenohr. Durch spärliche Anastomosen zwischen den Neurofibrillen kommt ein weitmaschiges Netzwerk zustande.Im Vestibularapparat des Hundes kommen direkt unter dem Epithel besonderes gebaute Kapillare-Gefäßknäuel, Glomeruli vasculosi vor. Besondere, vermutlich dem vasoregulatorischen System zugehörige Nervenfasern versorgen die Glomeruli vasculosi.Der morphologische Charakter des im Plexus marginalis vorhandenen Endgeflechtes der Neurofibrillen zeugt sehr wahrscheinlich für seine Zugehörigkeit zum vegetativen Nervensystem.     

High sero-prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis identified in slaughterhouse samples as a consequence of deficiencies in sheep farm management in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Background

Multiple congenital ocular anomalies (MCOA) syndrome is a hereditary congenital eye defect that was first described in Silver colored Rocky Mountain horses. The mutation causing this disease is located within a defined chromosomal interval, which also contains the gene and mutation that is associated with the Silver coat color (PMEL17, exon 11). Horses that are homozygous for the disease-causing allele have multiple defects (MCOA-phenotype), whilst the heterozygous horses predominantly have cysts of the iris, ciliary body or retina (Cyst-phenotype). It has been argued that these ocular defects are caused by a recent mutation that is restricted to horses that are related to the Rocky Mountain Horse breed. For that reason we have examined another horse breed, the Icelandic horse, which is historically quite divergent from Rocky Mountain horses.

Results

We examined 24 Icelandic horses and established that the MCOA syndrome is present in this breed. Four of these horses were categorised as having the MCOA-phenotype and were genotyped as being homozygous for the PMEL17 mutation. The most common clinical signs included megaloglobus, iris stromal hypoplasia, abnormal pectinate ligaments, iridociliary cysts occasionally extending into the peripheral retina and cataracts. The cysts and pectinate ligament abnormalities were observed in the temporal quadrant of the eyes. Fourteen horses were heterozygous for the PMEL17 mutation and were characterized as having the Cyst-phenotype with cysts and occasionally curvilinear streaks in the peripheral retina. Three additional horses were genotyped as PMEL17 heterozygotes, but in these horses we were unable to detect cysts or other forms of anomalies. One eye of a severely vision-impaired 18 month-old stallion, homozygous for the PMEL17 mutation was examined by light microscopy. Redundant duplication of non-pigmented ciliary body epithelium, sometimes forming cysts bulging into the posterior chamber and localized areas of atrophy in the peripheral retina were seen.

Conclusions

The MCOA syndrome is segregating with the PMEL17 mutation in the Icelandic Horse population. This needs to be taken into consideration in breeding decisions and highlights the fact that MCOA syndrome is present in a breed that are more ancient and not closely related to the Rocky Mountain Horse breed.     

Mapping QTLs for resistance against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Globodera pallida</Emphasis> (Stone) Pa2/3 in a diploid potato progeny originating from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum spegazzinii</Emphasis>

A "F1" diploid population between Solanum tuberosum 2 x and the wild Solanum spegazzinii was studied. It segregated for resistance against the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida derived from the wild species. The inheritance had a quantitative nature. Linkage maps of AFLP and RFLP markers were constructed for both parents. Three QTLs were identified on the map of the resistant parent on chromosomes V, VI and XII, respectively. The first one had a major effect and explained more than 50% of the total variance of resistance. It is located in a cluster of resistance genes and may be the same locus as Gpa which has been described formerly. The two others explained about 20% of the total variance each. The QTL on chromosome XII is also in a cluster of resistance genes, and in an orthologous position with resistance genes against nematodes in tomato and pepper.