Differential morphology and composition of inclusions in the R6/2 mouse and PC12 cell models of Huntington’s disease

The histological hallmark feature of Huntington’s disease (HD) and other polyglutamine repeat diseases is the presence of intracellular inclusions. Much work has been devoted to trying to determine the relationship between inclusion formation and neuronal injury. However, little attention has been paid to the variability and characteristics of inclusions themselves. Here, we characterize the morphological and biochemical composition of inclusions in both a transgenic mouse model (R6/2 line) and an inducible cell culture model of HD (iPC12Q74). We identified several morphologically distinct kinds of inclusions in different locations (nuclei, cytoplasm and cellular processes). Ubiquitin colocalized completely with all of these inclusions in both the iPC12Q72 and R6/2 models. In the inclusions in iPC12Q74 cells, the 20S and 11S proteasome subunits colocalized variably, and the 19S subunit did not colocalize at all. In inclusions in R6/2 mouse neurons, the 20S subunit colocalized completely, but neither the 11S nor the 19S subunits colocalized at all. While the role of inclusions in the pathogenesis of HD continues to be debated, we suggest that the content and structure of inclusions vary considerably, not only from cell to cell but even within individual cells. Their role in the pathogenesis of HD is likely to depend on their location as well as their composition.     

Acoustic recordings,biological observations,and genetic identification of a rare(?) beaked whale in the North Pacific: Mesoplodon carlhubbsi

Although Hubbs' beaked whale (Mesoplodon carlhubbsi) was previously known from over 60 strandings on both sides of the North Pacific, it had been identified alive in the wild only once, off Oregon in 1994. In September 2021, we conducted a search effort for beaked whales off the coast of Oregon using a towed hydrophone array and a visual search team. Approximately 350 km off the Columbia River mouth, we detected the vocalizations of an unidentified mesoplodont whale; we stopped our vessel and waited in the area until two unidentified juvenile Mesoplodon surfaced and stayed near our vessel for almost 2 hr. During that time, we took numerous photographs and videos, made behavioral observations, and recorded their vocalizations. The DNA sequence from a biopsy sample identified them as M. carlhubbsi. In this paper, we discuss our biological observations, including color patterning and acquired markings, behavioral observations, and describe for the first time the acoustic characteristics of this species. We confirm that M. carlhubbsi is the source of a previously unidentified acoustic signal known as BW37V, and we update what is known about the at-sea distribution of this species based on previous recordings and observational records.     

Arsenic concentration in the urine of patients with Blackfoot disease and Bowen’s disease

Extensive epidemiological study implicates that high arsenic content in artesian well water is the causal factor responsible for Blackfoot disease. We determine the arsenic concentration in urine samples of patients with Blackfoot and Bowen’s diseases and examine whether there exists any discrepancy of urinary arsenic concentrations among patients and the normal population. The analyses were made by hydride atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and the analytical reliability of the method was checked with a standard urine sample (ORTHO Bi-Level Urine Metal Control). The results show that the mean urinary arsenic concentration in 100 healthy adults is 63.4±29.7 μg/L, and those means for 23 and 11 patients with Blackfoot disease and Bowen’s disease are 75.7±39.1 μg/L (P vs controls >0.05) and 201±58 μg/L (P vs controls <0.001), respectively. From the analytical results obtained, we cannot conclude that urinary arsenic is associated with Blackfoot disease, as was disclosed from the epidemiological studies. However, urinary arsenic concentrations are possibly very closely associated with Bowen’s disease.     

Behavior and seasonal variation in the relative abundance of Commerson’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) in northern Patagonia, Argentina

Commerson’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) along the Patagonian coast of South America suffer incidental mortality in fisheries and are the target of a dolphin-watching industry. We describe the daily activity patterns and assess the variation in the relative abundance of the species near the northern boundary of its range. Information was gathered with a spotting scope from a cliff-top vantage point applying the method of scan sampling. Behaviors were categorized as individual feeding, cooperative feeding, directional swimming, socializing, and resting. These behaviors are similar to those observed in other species of small cetacean, but differences were found regarding the patterns of directional swimming and feeding techniques. Hunting tactics favored the association of terns with dolphin groups. No clear dial behavioral pattern was observed, but seasonal changes in the frequency of behaviors were recorded. Group and school sizes were larger during periods with colder sea surface temperature (SST). Seasonal abundance was correlated with SST, suggesting that at higher SST the species forsakes the area, probably in favor of coastal areas to the south with lower SST.     

The difference of urine between Brandt’s voleLasiopodomys brandtii in the breeding and non-breeding condition

Using animal house experiments we demonstrated that urine odor can elicit physiological changes in the maturation rate of Brandt’s vole (Radde, 1861). We showed that the urine of estrous females, anestrous females and non-breeding males had no effect on the time of sexual maturity of young voles. In contrast, the maturation rate of young female voles was accelerated, and the maturation rate of young male voles was slowed, by exposure to the urine of breeding adult males. Headspace analysis revealed significant differences in the levels of a subset of volatile constituents of urine from breeding and non-breeding males. From a total of 50 components, Propanoic acid, 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine, Dimethyldisulfide, 1-Octene, 1-Hexanol, Hexanoic acid and p-Xylene were observed only in the urine of breeding male Brandt’s voles. All other substances were present in the volatiles from urine of both breeding and non-breeding male Brandt’s vole.     

Variation in composition of media and reagents used in the preparation of cell cultures from human and other animal tissues: Dulbecco’s,Earle’s,and Hanks’ balanced salt solutions

Summary When comparison was made of directions given for three salt solutions commonly used in cell culture preparations and identified as Dulbecco’s, Earle’s, and Hanks’, variations in composition were found. Some significantly alter the suitability of the materials for the intended use. Other differences may have less effect. This brief review reveals a tendency among researchers to follow procedures obtained from colleagues for the preparation of laboratory reagents and media, to cite the original publication rather than their colleagues’ work as the source of the information, and to fail to compare the two for differences. Some failures in cell culture propagation may be attributed to similar instances with other published but incorrectly cited work. Tables are provided that facilitate comparison of the correct original formulations with variants from selected published sources. This research was supported by Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Connecticut, Scientific Contribution Number 1032.     

Analysis of 4-aminobiphenyl in smoker’s and nonsmoker’s urine by tandem mass spectrometry

The aromatic amine 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP) is present in tobacco smoke. In humans, it is also a known bladder carcinogen. We describe here a method for the quantification of total 4-ABP in urine using capillary gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, with an effective detection limit in urine samples of approximately 0.87 pg/mL. We also examined the efficiency of chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of urinary aromatic amine metabolites. Although we found acidic or basic hydrolysis effective, we found enzymatic hydrolysis (β-glucuronidase with either Escherichia coli or Helix pomatia) ineffective. As part of this work, we also confirm the presence of N-acetyl-4-ABP and 4-ABP glucuronide in human urine samples from smokers. These metabolites have been reported in animal studies, but previously they have not been identified in human samples. These metabolites, however, were found to be unstable and thus infeasible for biomonitoring. The final validated urinary total 4-ABP assay was applied to the analysis of samples from smokers and nonsmokers, whose status was confirmed from cotinine EIA measurements. Among 41 confirmed nonsmokers, the geometric mean (95% CI) of 4-ABP concentration was 1.64 pg/mg creatinine (1.30–2.07). Conversely, in 89 smokers, the geometric mean of 4-ABP concentration was significantly greater, at 8.69 pg/mg creatinine (7.43–10.16), p?<?0.001. Our results indicate that following tobacco smoke exposure, total urinary 4-ABP is a reliable biomarker for exposure to this carcinogen.     

Genetics,development and composition of the insect head – A beetle’s view

Many questions regarding evolution and ontogeny of the insect head remain open. Likewise, the genetic basis of insect head development is poorly understood. Recently, the investigation of gene expression data and the analysis of patterning gene function have revived interest in insect head development. Here, we argue that the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum is a well suited model organism to spearhead research with respect to the genetic control of insect head development. We review recent molecular data and discuss its bearing on early development and morphogenesis of the head. We present a novel hypothesis on the ontogenetic origin of insect head sutures and review recent insights into the question on the origin of the labrum. Further, we argue that the study of developmental genes may identify the elusive anterior non-segmental region and present some evidence in favor of its existence. With respect to the question of evolution of patterning we show that the head Anlagen of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium differ considerably and we review profound differences of their genetic regulation. Finally, we discuss which insect model species might help us to answer the open questions concerning the genetic regulation of head development and its evolution.     

Chemiluminescent in vitro estimation of the inhibitory constants of antioxidants ascorbic and uric acids in Fenton’s reaction in urine

The goal of this research was to measure in vitro the inhibitory constants of the antioxidants ascorbic and uric acid in urine, with lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) in Fenton’s system. Maximum CL emission is registered in urine containing H₂O₂ (5·10⁻⁴ M), Fe²⁺ (5·10⁻⁵ M), EDTA (5·10⁻⁵ M), and chemical enhancer lucigenin (10⁻⁴ M) at pH 5.5 and 36°C. Ascorbic acid exhibits up to 4-fold stronger antioxidant effect than uric acid. The constants of antioxidant inhibition in urine were measured at concentrations 10⁻³ and 10⁻⁴ M: for ascorbic acid, 5.92 ± 0.04 and 24.05 ± 1.82 μmol·sec⁻¹; for uric acid, 1.60 ± 0.02 and 21.45 ± 0.97 μmol·sec⁻¹, respectively. Three phases of CL kinetics of urine are well observed: spontaneous CL (0–10 sec), fast flash of CL (10–50 sec), and latent period (50–300 sec). The antioxidant efficiency of ascorbic and uric acids in the final stage of catabolic processes in the body is discussed. Published in Russian in Biokhimiya, 2006, Vol. 71, No. 8, pp. 1062–1065.     

Localization and synthesis of α-fetoprotein in the chicken

Summary The localization and sites of synthesis of -fetoprotein in chick embryos throughout development have been investigated using the combined techniques of immunofluorescence microscopy and tissue culture in the presence of radiolabelled amino acids, followed by immunoautoradiographic analysis.Alpha-fetoprotein is present in a range of embryonic tissues and especially concentrated in the yolk sac, liver and connective tissue. Analysis of culture fluids revealed that the yolk sac is the major site of -fetoprotein synthesis with smaller, but significant quantities being produced by the liver.These results are discussed in relation to mammalian -fetoprotein, and the merits of the chick embryo for studies on the biological function of AFP are considered.Supported by an award from the Science Research Council, to whom grateful acknowledgement is made     

Seasonal variations in the composition of Holstein cow’s milk and temperature–humidity index relationship

A retrospective study on seasonal variations in the characteristics of cow’s milk and temperature–humidity index (THI) relationship was conducted on bulk milk data collected from 2003 to 2009. The THI relationship study was carried out on 508 613 bulk milk data items recorded in 3328 dairy farms form the Lombardy region, Italy. Temperature and relative humidity data from 40 weather stations were used to calculate THI. Milk characteristics data referred to somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), fat percentage (FA%) and protein percentage (PR%). Annual, seasonal and monthly variations in milk composition were evaluated on 656 064 data items recorded in 3727 dairy farms. The model highlighted a significant association between the year, season and month, and the parameters analysed (SCC, TBC, FA%, PR%). The summer season emerged as the most critical season. Of the summer months, July presented the most critical conditions for TBC, FA% and PR%, (52 054±183 655, 3.73%±0.35% and 3.30%±0.15%, respectively), and August presented higher values of SCC (369 503±228 377). Each milk record was linked to THI data calculated at the nearest weather station. The analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between THI and SCC and TBC, and indicated a significant change in the slope at 57.3 and 72.8 maximum THI, respectively. The model demonstrated a negative correlation between THI and FA% and PR% and provided breakpoints in the pattern at 50.2 and 65.2 maximum THI, respectively. The results of this study indicate the presence of critical climatic thresholds for bulk tank milk composition in dairy cows. Such indications could facilitate the adoption of heat management strategies, which may ensure the health and production of dairy cows and limit related economic losses.     

Concurrent occurrence of three neoplasms including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma and leiomyoma in the same kidney

A 53-year-old man with triple renal neoplasms in his left kidney presented. He was initially diagnosed intermediate grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) which involved gastro-intestinal tract, left kidney, liver and pancreas. He underwent left nefrectomy because of a persistent renal mass after the completion of chemotherapy. The large renal mass revealed a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Additionally, multiple small nodules of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a solitary leiomyoma were observed.     

Root biomechanics in Rhizophora mangle: anatomy,morphology and ecology of mangrove’s flying buttresses

Background and AimsRhizophora species of mangroves have a conspicuous system of stilt-like roots (rhizophores) that grow from the main stem and resemble flying buttresses. As such, the development of rhizophores can be predicted to be important for the effective transmission of dynamic loads from the top of the tree to the ground, especially where the substrate is unstable, as is often the case in the habitats where Rhizophora species typically grow. This study tests the hypothesis that rhizophore architecture in R. mangle co-varies with their proximity to the main stem, and with stem size and crown position.Methods The allometry and wood mechanical properties of R. mangle (red mangrove) trees growing in a mangrove basin forest within a coastal lagoon in Mexico were compared with those of coexisting, non-buttressed mangrove trees of Avicennia germinans. The anatomy of rhizophores was related to mechanical stress due to crown orientation (static load) and to prevailing winds (dynamic load) at the study site.Key Results Rhizophores buttressed between 10 and 33 % of tree height. There were significant and direct scaling relationships between the number, height and length of rhizophores vs. basal area, tree height and crown area. Wood mechanical resistance was significantly higher in the buttressed R. mangle (modulus of elasticity, MOE = 18·1 ± 2 GPa) than in A. germinans (MOE = 12·1 ± 0·5 GPa). Slenderness ratios (total height/stem diameter) were higher in R. mangle, but there were no interspecies differences in critical buckling height. When in proximity to the main stem, rhizophores had a lower length/height ratio, higher eccentricity and higher xylem/bark and pith proportions. However, there were no directional trends with regard to prevailing winds or tree leaning.Conclusions In comparison with A. germinans, a tree species with wide girth and flare at the base, R. mangle supports a thinner stem of higher mechanical resistance that is stabilized by rhizophores resembling flying buttresses. This provides a unique strategy to increase tree slenderness and height in the typically unstable substrate on which the trees grow, at a site that is subject to frequent storms.     

Spatial heterogeneity of the species composition of a clavarioid fungi’s compex in the Eurasian Arctic

Using the example of a model group of macromycete (clavarioid fungi), a large-scale investigation into the mycological complex of the Eurasian Arctic is conducted. The species composition of clavarioid fungi’s complex is revealed in all longitudinal sectors and latitudinal subzones, and a comparative analysis is carried out. It has been determined that, among groups of aphyllophoroid fungi, the clavarioid life form is the most adapted to the extremally psychrophilic conditions of the Arctic. It is shown that the near-oceanic sectors are the richest, whereas the continental sectors are much poorer. The distribution of the species composition of fungi conforms to the similar distribution of flowering plants, especially hemicryptophytes. The average annual quantity of atmospheric precipitation is the leading climatic factor. The differences make it possible to subdivide the Eurasian Arctic into four mycogeographical regions: Atlantic (European), Siberian, Chukotian (Beringian), and High Arctic.     

Role of zinc and copper ions in the pathogenetic mechanisms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases

Disbalance of zinc (Zn²⁺) and copper (Cu²⁺) ions in the central nervous system is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative disorders such as multisystem atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Wilson-Konovalov disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Among these, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the most frequent age-related neurodegenerative pathologies with disorders in Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ homeostasis playing a pivotal role in the mechanisms of pathogenesis. In this review we generalized and systematized current literature data concerning this problem. The interactions of Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ with amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-amyloid (Abeta), tau-protein, metallothioneins, and GSK3β are considered, as well as the role of these interactions in the generation of free radicals in AD and PD. Analysis of the literature suggests that the main factors of AD and PD pathogenesis (oxidative stress, structural disorders and aggregation of proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, energy deficiency) that initiate a cascade of events resulting finally in the dysfunction of neuronal networks are mediated by the disbalance of Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺.     

Ultrastructure and elemental composition of the eggshell of Reeve’s pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii)

The eggshell of Reeve's pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii) collected from the Dongzhai National Nature Reserve in Henan Province,China was studied.By using scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry,the ultrastructure and elemental composition of the eggshell was determined.The study showed that the average thickness of the surface layer of crystals,the palisade and cone layer,and the eggshell membrane were 20.8,220.8 and 62.5 larn,respectively,accounting for 6.8%,72.6% and 20.6% of the total thickness of the eggshell.There were many vesicular holes in the palisade layer with an average diameter of 0.32±0.08 μm(n = 30).The function of these holes might be significant to air exchange.The shape of the eggshell pore on the surface layer of crystals is round or elliptical.The fracture surface of the pore is funnel-shaped.Some granules filled the upper part of the eggshell pores.The content of 21 elements in the eggshell of wild and captive Reeve's pheasants was compared and presented.It indicated that among the elements that made up the eggshell of the wild pheasant,the content of Ca,Mg,P and S was much higher,ω＞ 1 mg/g,with ω (Ca) being higher than 40% of the eggshell.The contents of Na,Si,Sr,K and A1 were ω = 0.1-1 mg/g,while Fe,Zn,Pb,Mn,Cu,V and Ti had lower concentrations (ω = 1-100 μg/g).The ω ofNi,Cr,Co,Se,Cd were lower than 1 μg/g.The elemental composition in the eggshell of the captive Reeve's pheasant kept in the Dongzhai National Natural Reserve was significantly different from that of the wild species,with a difference of over 20% on S,Cu,Fe,AI,Mn,Si,Sr,Se and Cr.The lower intake of Fe,Mn,Si and Sr on the one hand and the higher intake of S,Cu,Al and Cr on the other hand might be responsible for the low fertility of captive Reeve's pheasants in the Dongzhai National Nature Reserve.In order to ensure that the pheasants are receiving the proper amount of nutrition and to improve their breeding success,the amount of certain elements in the food should be adjusted.     

Assessing occupancy and habitat connectivity for Baird’s tapir to establish conservation priorities in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas,Mexico

Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is the largest native mammal that inhabits the Neotropics, and it is enlisted as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. The historic distribution of this species included the area from southern Mexico to northern Colombia. However, its distribution and populations have been reduced drastically during the past 30 years. The main threats for Baird’s tapir are the direct persecution for subsistence hunting, habitat destruction, and habitat fragmentation. In this study, we used camera traps and occupancy models to identify the landscape characteristics that were associated with the occurrence of tapirs in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, which is one of the most important populations of the species in Mexico, with the aim to identify areas with habitat suitability for the species. We used our best occupancy model to generate a resistance matrix to develop a model of habitat connectivity using Circuit Theory. According to the best occupancy model, the most suitable areas for this species were the forested areas located at the highest elevations of the mountain ranges that provided rugged terrain. We identified three critical corridors to allow for the connectivity of tapir populations in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, and one of these corridors provides connectivity between this population and the population in the Ocote Biosphere Reserve. With this approach, we propose a conservation strategy for the species that incorporates a more realistic and detailed scheme of Baird’s tapir occurrence in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas region. Priority actions to conserve tapirs in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas over the long term include ensuring the complete protection of prime habitat for the species, improved connectivity by protecting forest cover, implementation mitigation measures in areas where paved roads interrupt connectivity of populations, and eradicating poaching of the species in the region completely.     

Dufour’s gland possible role in the evolution of sting morphology and function in hover wasps (Hymenoptera Stenogastrinae)

The sting is the most effective defense of social Hymenoptera against vertebrate predators but in the hover wasps (subfamily Stenogastrinae) it is scarcely used. In these wasps a quite enlarged Dufour’s gland and the extensive use of its secretion in the peculiar rearing of the larvae and defense determined important morphological modifications of the sting structure. Connecting anatomical and morphological data with behavioral observations we determined that in these wasps the Dufour’s gland secretion is attached to the egg during oviposition but can be also channeled to the outside via the sting when it is collected by adult females for larval rearing or construction of the nest ant guards. The anatomical modifications of the sting reduced the function of the sting as a defensive weapon in hover wasps.