Species identification and comparative population genetics of four coastal houndsharks based on novel NGS‐mined microsatellites

The common smooth‐hound (Mustelus mustelus ) is the topmost bio‐economically and recreationally important shark species in southern Africa, western Africa, and Mediterranean Sea. Here, we used the Illumina HiSeq? 2000 next‐generation sequencing (NGS ) technology to develop novel microsatellite markers for Mustelus mustelus . Two microsatellite multiplex panels were constructed from 11 polymorphic loci and characterized in two populations of Mustelus mustelus representative of its South African distribution. The markers were then tested for cross‐species utility in Galeorhinus galeus , Mustelus palumbes , and Triakis megalopterus , three other demersal coastal sharks also subjected to recreational and/or commercial fishery pressures in South Africa. We assessed genetic diversity (N _A, A _R, H _O, H _E, and PIC) and differentiation (F _ST and D _est) for each species and also examined the potential use of these markers in species assignment. In each of the four species, all 11 microsatellites were variable with up to a mean N _A of 8, A _R up to 7.5, H _E and PIC as high as 0.842. We were able to reject genetic homogeneity for all species investigated here except for T . megalopterus . We found that the panel of the microsatellite markers developed in this study could discriminate between the study species, particularly for those that are morphologically very similar. Our study provides molecular tools to address ecological and evolutionary questions vital to the conservation and management of these locally and globally exploited shark species.     

Evolution of sprouting versus seeding inAspalathus linearis

We have tested the hypothesis that reseeding is a plesiomorphic character state and that sprouting is a derived state inAspalathus linearis, and that the latter is an adaptation to ensure fire-survival in a fireprone environment. Samples of five seeder and four sprouter populations of A.linearis were examined by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis to assess the amount of genetic differentiation within and between sprouting and seeding populations, and to determine the extent of gene flow between the populations. Leaf extracts were surveyed for ten enzymes and gene products revealed genetic variation at 13 (76%) of 17 protein coding loci. Allele frequency differences were found between sprouting and seeding populations and genetic distance values show that the sprouters are grouped separate from the seeders, thus providing support for the morphological data on which the above mentioned hypothesis is based. It is evident that evolution operates at the population level inA. linearis.     

New perspectives in radiation oncology: Young radiation oncologist point of view and challenges

AimTo assess the role of the young radiation oncologist in the context of important recent advancements in the field of radiation oncology, and to explore new perspectives and competencies of the young radiation oncologist.BackgroundRadiation oncology is a field that has rapidly advanced over the last century. It holds a rich tradition of clinical care and evidence-based practice, and more recently has advanced with revolutionary innovations in technology and computer science, as well as pharmacology and molecular biology.Materials and methodsSeveral young radiation oncologists from different countries evaluated the current status and future directions of radiation oncology.ResultsFor young radiation oncologists, it is important to reflect on the current practice and future directions of the specialty as it relates to the role of the radiation oncologist in the comprehensive management of cancer patients. Radiation oncologists are responsible for the radiation treatment provided to patients and its subsequent impact on patients’ quality of life. Young radiation oncologists must proactively master new clinical, biological and technical information, as well as lead radiation oncology teams consisting of physicists, dosimetrists, nurses and technicians.ConclusionsThe role of the young radiation oncologist in the field of oncology should be proactive in developing new competencies. Above all, it is important to remember that we are dealing with the family members and loved ones of many individuals during the most difficult part of their lives.     

Characteristics of Adopted Thoroughbred Racehorses in Second Careers

The unwanted horse issue continues to be a major concern in the U.S. equine industry. Nonprofit organizations dedicated to rescuing, retraining, and rehoming unwanted horses are critical in minimizing this problem. This study utilized data collected nationwide from organizations that provide these services for thoroughbreds retired from racing to identify individual horse characteristics that influenced length of stay at the adoption facility as well as characteristics that increased the probability that an adopted horse would be returned to the facility. The results suggested that horses with fewer activity limitations were rehomed more quickly (p < .01), as were gray horses (relative to bays, p < .03) and stallions (relative to geldings, p < .04). Older horses took longer to rehome (p < .05). Interestingly, the results also suggested that gray horses were more likely to be returned to the facility postadoption (p < .02). Results from this study could benefit thoroughbreds retired from racing, nonprofit organizations, end consumers, and the thoroughbred racing industry.     

A review of intensive mode of delivery and science subjects in Australian universities

One response to the global trend of increasing rates of student participation in tertiary education has been for universities to increase the number of intensive mode of delivery subjects available. This phenomenon extends to science subjects. Embarking on offering an undergraduate science subject in intensive mode for the first time at the Australian case example university, it was essential to first learn about good pedagogical design and practice from other educational organisations. To achieve this, a website audit of Australian universities was undertaken in tandem with a critical review of the Australian and international literature on intensive mode of delivery. While it was found that a majority of Australian universities offer science subjects in intensive mode, these subjects were primarily at the postgraduate level of study. The literature focusing on intensive mode in science was minimal. It revealed definitional ambiguity and conceptual non-uniformity as well as a range of positive, negative and inconclusive results in relation to the academic and ‘real-world’ outcomes of intensive mode. This review identifies a need for evidenced-based empirical research into the pedagogy around intensive mode for undergraduate science subjects.     

Metabolic Enzyme Alterations and Astrocyte Dysfunction in a Murine Model of Alexander Disease With Severe Reactive Gliosis

Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In this report, a mouse model of AxD (GFAP^Tg;Gfap^+/R236H) was analyzed that contains a heterozygous R236H point mutation in murine Gfap as well as a transgene with a GFAP promoter to overexpress human GFAP. Using label-free quantitative proteomic comparisons of brain tissue from GFAP^Tg;Gfap^+/R236H versus wild-type mice confirmed upregulation of the glutathione metabolism pathway and indicated proteins were elevated in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, which had not been reported previously in AxD. Relative protein-level differences were confirmed by a targeted proteomics assay, including proteins related to astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Of particular interest was the decreased level of the oligodendrocyte protein, 2-hydroxyacylsphingosine 1-beta-galactosyltransferase (Ugt8), since Ugt8-deficient mice exhibit a phenotype similar to GFAP^Tg;Gfap^+/R236H mice (e.g., tremors, ataxia, hind-limb paralysis). In addition, decreased levels of myelin-associated proteins were found in the GFAP^Tg;Gfap^+/R236H mice, consistent with the role of Ugt8 in myelin synthesis. Fabp7 upregulation in GFAP^Tg;Gfap^+/R236H mice was also selected for further investigation due to its uncharacterized association to AxD, critical function in astrocyte proliferation, and functional ability to inhibit the anti-inflammatory PPAR signaling pathway in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Within Gfap⁺ astrocytes, Fabp7 was markedly increased in the hippocampus, a brain region subjected to extensive pathology and chronic reactive gliosis in GFAP^Tg;Gfap^+/R236H mice. Last, to determine whether the findings in GFAP^Tg;Gfap^+/R236H mice are present in the human condition, AxD patient and control samples were analyzed by Western blot, which indicated that Type I AxD patients have a significant fourfold upregulation of FABP7. However, immunohistochemistry analysis showed that UGT8 accumulates in AxD patient subpial brain regions where abundant amounts of Rosenthal fibers are located, which was not observed in the GFAP^Tg;Gfap^+/R236H mice.