Effect of menstrual cycle phase and hormonal treatments on evaluation of tubal patency in baboons

Background

We evaluated whether menstrual cycle phase influences the assessment of tubal patency by hysterosalpingography (HSG) in baboons.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of baseline tubal patency studies and serum estradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P4) values obtained from female baboons used as models for development of non‐surgical permanent contraception in women. The main outcome measure was bilateral tubal patency (BTP) in relationship with estradiol level.

Results

Female baboons (n = 110) underwent a single (n = 81), two (n = 26), or three (n = 3) HSG examinations. In 33/142 (23%) HSG examinations, one or both tubes showed functional occlusion (FO). The median E₂ in studies with BTP (49 pg/mL) was significantly higher than in those studies with FO (32 pg/mL, P = .005). Among 18 animals with repeat examinations where serum E₂ changed from <60 to ≥ 60 pg/mL, 13 results changed from FO to BTP (P = .0001). No sets showed a change from BTP to FO with an increase in estradiol.

Conclusion

In baboons, functional occlusion of the fallopian tube is associated with low estradiol levels, supporting a role for estrogen‐mediated relaxation of the utero‐tubal junction.     

Decreased response inhibition in middle-aged male patients with type 2 diabetes

Background  

This study was performed to examine whether patients with type 2 diabetes have cognitive deficits associated with the prefrontal cortex (PFC).     

Cortical beta EEG oscillations related to changes in muscle tone activity during sleep in spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)

Background

The physiological mechanisms that allow for sleeping in a vertical position, which is primordial for arboreal primates, have not been studied yet.

Methods

A non‐invasive polysomnographic study of 6 spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) was conducted. The relative beta power of the motor cortex and its linear relation with muscle tone in the facial mentalis muscle and the abductor caudae medialis muscle of the tail during wakefulness and sleep stages were calculated.

Results

A strong negative linear relationship (r = ?.8, P = .03) was found between the relative power of the beta2 band in the left motor cortex and abductor caudae medialis muscle tone during delta sleep.

Conclusions

The left motor cortex, through beta2 band activity, interacts with abductor caudae medialis muscle tonicity during delta sleep. This interaction takes part in the mechanisms that regulate the sleep postures.     

Risk of coronary artery stenosis in Iranian type 2 diabetics: is there a role for matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene (-1612 5A/6A) polymorphism?

Aim  

To investigate the association of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) polymorphism with susceptibility to coronary artery stenosis (CAS) and the number of diseased vessels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).     

TBP2 is a substitute for TBP in Xenopus oocyte transcription

Background  

TATA-box-binding protein 2 (TBP2/TRF3) is a vertebrate-specific paralog of TBP that shares with TBP a highly conserved carboxy-terminal domain and the ability to bind the TATA box. TBP2 is highly expressed in oocytes whereas TBP is more abundant in embryos.     

Past vegetation dynamics in the Yellowstone region highlight the vulnerability of mountain systems to climate change

Aim

Reconstruct the long‐term ecosystem dynamics of the region across an elevational gradient as they relate to climate and local controls. In particular, we (1) describe the dominant conifers' history; (2) assess changes in vegetation composition and distribution; and (3) note periods of abrupt change versus stability as means of better understanding vegetation responses to environmental variability.

Location

Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE; USA).

Time period

16.5 ka bp ‐present.

Major taxa studied

Juniperus, Picea, Abies, Pinus, Pseudotsuga.

Methods

The vegetation reconstruction was developed from 15 pollen records. Results were interpreted based on modern pollen–vegetation relationships estimated from a suite of regression‐based approaches.

Results

Calibrated pollen data suggest that late‐glacial vegetation, dominated by shrubs and Juniperus, lacks a modern counterpart in the area. Picea, Abies and Pinus expanded at 16 ka bp in association with postglacial warming and co‐occurred in mixed‐conifer parkland/forest after 12 ka bp . This association along with Pinus contorta forest, which was present after 9 ka bp , has persisted with little change at middle and high elevations to the present day. This stability contrasts with the dynamic history of plant communities at low elevations, where shifts between parkland, steppe and forest over the last 8,000 years were likely driven by variations in effective moisture and fire.

Main conclusions

The postglacial vegetation history of the GYE highlights the dynamic nature of mountain ecosystems and informs on their vulnerability to future climate change: (1) most of the conifers have been present in the area for >12,000 years and survived climate change by adjusting their elevational ranges; (2) some plant associations have exhibited stability over millennia as a result of nonclimatic controls; and (3) present‐day forest cover is elevationally more compressed than at any time in history, probably due to the legacy of the Medieval Climate Anomaly and the Little Ice Age.     

Investigation of Mannheimia haemolytica bacteriophages relative to host diversity

Aims

This study aimed to characterize the impact of lytic and temperate bacteriophages on the genetic and phenotypic diversity of Mannheimia haemolytica from feedlot cattle.

Methods and Results

Strictly lytic phages were not detected from bovine nasopharyngeal (n = 689) or water trough (n = 30) samples, but Myoviridae‐ or Siphoviridae‐like phages were induced from 54 of 72 M. haemolytica strains by mitomycin C, occasionally from the same strain. Phages with similar restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles (RFLP ≥70% relatedness) shared common host serotypes 1 or 2 (P < 0·000 1). Likewise, phages with similar RFLP tended to occur in genetically related host bacteria (70–79% similarity). Host range assays showed that seven phages from host serotypes 1, 2 and 6 lysed representative strains of serotypes 1, 2 or 8. The genome of vB_MhM_1152AP from serotype 6 was found to be collinear with P2‐like phage φMhaA1‐PHL101.

Conclusions

Prophages are a significant component of the genome of M. haemolytica and contribute significantly to host diversity. Further characterization of the role of prophage in virulence and persistence of M. haemolytica in cattle could provide insight into approaches to control this potential respiratory pathogen.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study demonstrated that prophages are widespread within the genome of M. haemolytica isolates and emphasized the challenge of isolating lytic phage as a therapeutic against this pathogen.     

Characterization of proteome alterations in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerochaete chrysosporium</Emphasis> in response to lead exposure

Background  

Total soluble proteome alterations of white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium in response to different doses (25, 50 and 100 μM) of Pb (II) were characterized by 2DE in combination with MALDI-TOF-MS.     

Human appropriation of net primary production as driver of change in landscape-scale vertebrate richness

Aim

Land use is the most pervasive driver of biodiversity loss. Predicting its impact on species richness (SR) is often based on indicators of habitat loss. However, the degradation of habitats, especially through land-use intensification, also affects species. Here, we evaluate whether an integrative metric of land-use intensity, the human appropriation of net primary production, is correlated with the decline of SR in used landscapes across the globe.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Birds, mammals and amphibians.

Methods

Based on species range maps (spatial resolution: 20 km × 20 km) and an area-of-habitat approach, we calibrated a “species–energy model” by correlating the SR of three groups of vertebrates with net primary production and biogeographical covariables in “wilderness” areas (i.e., those where available energy is assumed to be still at pristine levels). We used this model to project the difference between pristine SR and the SR corresponding to the energy remaining in used landscapes (i.e., SR loss expected owing to human energy extraction outside wilderness areas). We validated the projected species loss by comparison with the realized and impending loss reconstructed from habitat conversion and documented by national Red Lists.

Results

Species–energy models largely explained landscape-scale variation of mapped SR in wilderness areas (adjusted R²-values: 0.79–0.93). Model-based projections of SR loss were lower, on average, than reconstructed and documented ones, but the spatial patterns were correlated significantly, with stronger correlation in mammals (Pearson's r = 0.68) than in amphibians (r = 0.60) and birds (r = 0.57).

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that the human appropriation of net primary production is a useful indicator of heterotrophic species loss in used landscapes, hence we recommend its inclusion in models based on species–area relationships to improve predictions of land-use-driven biodiversity loss.     

Few alterations in clinical pathology and histopathology observed in a CYP2C18&;19 humanized mice model

Background  

This study was performed to characterize a gene-addition transgenic mouse containing a BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) clone spanning the human CYP2C18&19 genes (tg-CYP2C18&19).     

Conservation prioritisation through genomic reconstruction of demographic histories applied to two endangered suids in the Malay Archipelago

Aim

The biodiversity of the Malay Archipelago is the product of the region's rich biogeographical history with periods of island connectivity and isolation during the Pleistocene glacial cycles. Here, the case of two endemic suid species, the Javan (Sus verrucosus) and Bawean (S. blouchi) warty pigs, was used to illustrate how biogeographic processes and recent anthropogenic pressures can shape demographic histories with significant implications for species conservation.

Location

Malay Archipelago, with focus on Bawean and Java.

Methods

We employed genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms from the Porcine SNP60 v2 BeadChip to assess interspecific genetic differentiation, to estimate divergence times and to perform demographic model selection.

Results

In contrast to the hypothesis of recent divergence during the last glacial maximum, S. blouchi was found to have diverged from S. verrucosus at least 166 k years ago following a founder event. The contemporary S. blouchi population was characterised by a recent bottleneck that reduced the effective population size to less than 20. The genomic assessment supports the single species status of S. blouchi, as was previously proposed based on morphometrics. The demographic history of S. verrucosus showed evidence of secondary contact with the sympatric banded pig (S. scrofa vittatus) that colonised Java 70 k years ago.

Main Conclusions

While the Javan and Bawean warty pigs have persisted throughout the Pleistocene climatic oscillations, contemporary pressures from human activities threaten their survival and immediate action should be taken to grant legal protection to both S. verrucosus and S. blouchi. This study highlighted the use of demographic history modelling using genomic data to identify evolutionary significant units and inform conservation.     

Circulating levels of matrix proteases and their inhibitors in pregnant women with and without a history of recurrent pregnancy loss

Background  

We have recently shown that serum relaxin-2 levels are attenuated in women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). We sought to determine whether a history of RPL is also associated with changes in serum matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases (TIMP) -1 and -2.     

Human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) induced host ADAM8 expression in human salivary adenocarcinoma cell line (HSY) during cell fusion

Background  

The aim of the study was to investigate expression of ADAMs (A Disintegrin and A Metalloproteinase) of host cell origin during cell-cell fusion induced by human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2).     

Effect of sedation with detomidine and butorphanol on pulmonary gas exchange in the horse

Background  

Sedation with α₂-agonists in the horse is reported to be accompanied by impairment of arterial oxygenation. The present study was undertaken to investigate pulmonary gas exchange using the Multiple Inert Gas Elimination Technique (MIGET), during sedation with the α₂-agonist detomidine alone and in combination with the opioid butorphanol.     

Long‐range quantitative PCR for determining inactivation of adenovirus 2 by ultraviolet light

Aims

An extra‐long‐range quantitative PCR (LR‐qPCR) method was developed for estimating genome damage to adenovirus 2 caused by UV irradiation. The objective was to use LR‐qPCR as a rapid method to determine adenovirus UV inactivation.

Methods

The LR‐qPCR consisted of two steps: a long‐range PCR (up to 10 kb fragment) and a real‐time, quantitative (q) PCR for quantifying the products of the first PCR. We evaluated LR‐qPCR with adenovirus irradiated with medium‐pressure (MP, polychromatic emission) and low‐pressure (LP, 254 nm) mercury vapour lamps and compared results with cell culture infectivity.

Results

Using LR‐qPCR, a fragment of 6 kb estimated DNA damage in a linear relationship to doses between 0 and 20 mJ cm^?2, and a 1‐kb fragment related linearly to doses between 20 and 100 mJ cm^?2. The LR‐qPCR results for the 6‐kb fragment were similar to infectivity assays results for adenovirus exposed to MP UV. For adenovirus irradiated with LP lamps, LR‐qPCR results for the shorter fragment size (1 kb) were similar to reduction in viral infectivity. No difference was observed between 10 and 6 kb LR‐qPCR results.

Conclusion

The LR‐qPCR can be used as a tool for estimating DNA damage caused by UV in adenovirus. The LR‐qPCR results were related to reduction in viral infectivity.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The use of LR‐qPCR to determine DNA damage and estimate inactivation of adenovirus 2 from UV disinfection allows for same‐day results compared with >7 days required for cell culture. This accelerates adenovirus inactivation results for the water industry where adenovirus is used as a representative virus for crediting UV systems. This PCR approach provides a framework that can be used for other viral viability assays using the inhibition of amplification of viral nucleic acid after pretreatments, such as propidium monoazide, and for cellular biology studies of DNA damage.     

Autoantibodies to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in patients with connective tissue diseases

Introduction  

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2, a homolog of ACE, converts angiotensin (Ang) II into Ang(1-7), and the vasoprotective effects of Ang(1-7) have been documented. We explored the hypothesis that serum autoantibodies to ACE2 predispose patients with connective tissue diseases to constrictive vasculopathy, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), or persistent digital ischemia.     

Herd prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae producing CTX‐M‐type and CMY‐2 β‐lactamases among Japanese dairy farms

Aims

To determine the herd prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae producing CTX‐M‐type extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBLs) among 381 dairy farms in Japan.

Methods and Results

Between 2007 and 2009, we screened 897 faecal samples using BTB lactose agar plates containing cefotaxime (2 μg ml^?1). Positive isolates were tested using ESBL confirmatory tests, PCR and sequencing for CTX‐M, AmpC, TEM and SHV. The incidence of Enterobacteriaceae producing CTX‐M‐15 (n = 7), CTX‐M‐2 (n = 12), CTX‐M‐14 (n = 3), CMY‐2 (n = 2) or CTX‐M‐15/2/14 and CMY‐2 (n = 4) in bovine faeces was 28/897 (3·1%) faecal samples. These genes had spread to Escherichia coli (n = 23) and three genera of Enterobacteriaceae (n = 5). Herd prevalence was found to be 20/381 (5·2%) dairy farms. The 23 E. coli isolates showed clonal diversity, as assessed by multilocus sequence typing and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. The pandemic E. coli strain ST131 producing CTX‐M‐15 or CTX‐M‐27 was not detected.

Conclusions

Three clusters of CTX‐M (CTX‐M‐15, CTX‐M‐2, CTX‐M‐14) had spread among Japanese dairy farms.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This is the first report on the prevalence of multidrug‐resistant CTX‐M‐15–producing E. coli among Japanese dairy farms.     

Arthritogenic T cell epitope in glucose-6-phosphate isomerase-induced arthritis

Introduction  

Arthritis induced by immunisation with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) in DBA/1 mice was proven to be T helper (Th) 17 dependent. We undertook this study to identify GPI-specific T cell epitopes in DBA/1 mice (H-2q) and investigate the mechanisms of arthritis generation.