Methods for making induced pluripotent stem cells: reprogramming à la carte

Pluripotent stem-cell lines can be obtained through the reprogramming of somatic cells from different tissues and species by ectopic expression of defined factors. In theory, these cells--known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)--are suitable for various purposes, including disease modelling, autologous cell therapy, drug or toxicity screening and basic research. Recent methodological improvements are increasing the ease and efficiency of reprogramming, and reducing the genomic modifications required to complete the process. However, depending on the downstream applications, certain technologies have advantages over others. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the existing reprogramming approaches with the aim of providing readers with a better understanding of the reprogramming process and a basis for selecting the most suitable method for basic or clinical applications.     

Caractérisation des peuplements de macroinvertébrés benthiques à l’aide de la carte auto-organisatrice (SOM)

Macrobenthic organisms are much used nowadays as bio-indicators for their ability to reflect different disturbances of aquatic ecosystems. However, they have never been used to assess the ecological status of the lagoons of Benin. The current study aims at revealing the ecological state of the lagoon of Porto-Novo through the study of changes in the settlement of benthic organisms collected in this lagoon. The sampling was carried out from July 2007 to June 2009 on a frequency of four seasons of collection per year. The self-organizing map (SOM) of Kohonen has been used for various patterns of distribution of collected organisms. A discriminant analysis (AFD) has allowed the identification of the parameters that govern the patterns observed in this environment. Four groups of macrobenthic communities emerged that were well predicted (75%). The distribution of benthic macro invertebrates of this lagoon is therefore zonal, seasonal and discriminated by variables of mineralization and sediment grain size. The difference in taxonomic richness corresponds to environmental conditions of stations appearing more or less stable and highlighting a gradient of the stress on organisms. Places with unstable conditions are affected by human activities due to their proximity to homes that are enriched in organic matter. These places are full of polluted-tolerant species such as the Gastropods Potamididae, Cirratulidae Polychaetes, Diptera Chironomidae and Oligochaeta. The macrobenthic fauna, which is well differentiated in the groups, is then subjected to human disturbance.     

Depth of pitfall traps—does it affect interpretation of ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) assemblages?

Catches of ants in deeper (15 cm) and shallower (8 cm) narrow pitfall traps on open grassy woodland in south east Australia were very similar in composition. The shallow traps are therefore preferred as possibly less likely to entrap vertebrate bycatch and for surveys in areas with very shallow soils.     

Des sites à voir et à entendre : les abris à motifs schématiques de la falaise de Baume Brune (Vaucluse)

In the North of the plain drained by Calavon and at the foot of the mounts of Vaucluse, the cliff of Baume Brune is long about 900 m. We count 43 natural shelters of which only 10 are marked by painted figures belonging to the schematic iconography of the Neolithic period. The painted shelters are chosen, according among others, to four criteria, which are their dominant visual position, their southern exposure, the “red” tint of their walls and their episodic humidity. While a selection of these criteria might be present in the non-decorated shelters of Baume Brune, all of them are always found in the painted shelters. Yet, sometimes their presence if not so obvious, as there are shelters once painted in red tint whose walls are now covered by small carbonate flowstones formed by the flow of water after centuries of rain events. We also propose that iconography was perceived as a factor contributing to the placement of rock art, for single shelters were chosen by prehistoric artists to paint schematic key themes (male figures, idols, quadrupeds). Finally, we investigate the acoustic dimension of Baume Brune by comparing the distant and close auditory perception of painted and non-painted shelters. In this framework, we argue that shelters with rock art possess the greatest acoustic qualities of the whole cliff.     

Scintigraphie cardiaque à la 123I-métaiodobenzylguanidine et cardiomyopathies : « le retour »: (Insuffisance cardiaque et scintigraphie à la 123I-MIBG)

Congestive heart failure is a often associated with an impairment of sympathetic nervous system, i.e., global hyperactivity and regional impairment of adrenergic system. Cardiac 123I-métaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy is a radionuclide technique which can explore the presynaptic adrenergic function. Cardiac fixation of MIBG is decreased in congestive heart failure, reflecting a reduction of norepinephrine uptake by the myocardial presynaptic ending nerves. The impairment of presynaptic function is early and actually involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac failure. Cardiac MIBG scintigraphy is a useful tool to explore the myocardial adrenergic stores in patients with congestive heart failure.     

Differentiation with drift: a spatio-temporal genetic analysis of Galápagos mockingbird populations (Mimus spp.)

Small and isolated island populations provide ideal systems to study the effects of limited population size, genetic drift and gene flow on genetic diversity. We assessed genetic diversity within and differentiation among 19 mockingbird populations on 15 Galápagos islands, covering all four endemic species, using 16 microsatellite loci. We tested for signs of drift and gene flow, and used historic specimens to assess genetic change over the last century and to estimate effective population sizes. Within-population genetic diversity and effective population sizes varied substantially among island populations and correlated strongly with island size, suggesting that island size serves as a good predictor for effective population size. Genetic differentiation among populations was pronounced and increased with geographical distance. A century of genetic drift did not change genetic diversity on an archipelago-wide scale, but genetic drift led to loss of genetic diversity in small populations, especially in one of the two remaining populations of the endangered Floreana mockingbird. Unlike in other Galápagos bird species such as the Darwin''s finches, gene flow among mockingbird populations was low. The clear pattern of genetically distinct populations reflects the effects of genetic drift and suggests that Galápagos mockingbirds are evolving in relative isolation.     

Expanding the genetic map of maize with the intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) population

The effects of intermating on recombination and the development of linkage maps were assessed in maize. Progeny derived from a common population (B73 × Mo17) before and after five generations of intermating were genotyped at the same set of 190 RFLP loci. Intermating resulted in nearly a four-fold increase in the genetic map distance and increased the potential for improved genetic resolution in 91% of the intervals evaluated. This mapping population and related information should connect research involving dense genetic maps, physical mapping, gene isolation, comparative genomics, analysis of quantitative trait loci and investigations of heterosis.     

Some characteristics of genetic variants of Tubifex tubifex (Müller, 1774) (Oligochaeta: Tubificidae) in laboratory cultures

Genetic variants of the oligochaete Tubifex tubifex were identified with enzyme electrophoresis and subsequently reared in laboratory cultures. Three types are abundant in field populations. Individuals that show homozygotic bands of glucosephosphate-isomerase (GPI) 22 together with isocitrate-dehydrogenase (IDH) 35 were labeled Type A. Type B is characterized by GPI 23 together with IDH 11 and Type C is characterized by GPI 11 with either IDH 34 or IDH 33. Initial results on freshweights of adults and cocoon production revealed differences between the two main types, A and B. In the same period, Type B reached higher weights and produced five times as many cocoons as Type A, whereas number of eggs per cocoon were not different between these Types. Type B also had the lowest mortality in 16-week experiments with changing temperatures.     

Application d'une méthodologie quantitative à la palynologie d'Eryngium maritimum (Umbelliferae)

Quantitative methods (statistics and numerical taxonomy) were used for palynological studies ofEryngium maritimum from 13 localities extending from the Mediterranean to the North Sea. This demonstrates, 1. the homogeneity of the size of the pollen grains in respect of P (polar axis) and E (equatorial diameter) dimensions taken from a single inflorescence; 2. the great variation of the same quantitative characters at plant, population and species level; 3. the stability of the tectum as observed by scanning electron microscope.Variation of palynological parameters within a local population is independent of the general geographical pattern. Therefore, an individual sample represents the species only to a limited extent.

Cette application d'une méthodologie quantitative, au traitement des caractères palynologiques, entre dans le cadre d'un vaste programme où ces méthodes sont appliquées à divers types de caractères quantitatifs ou qualitatifs et à différents niveaux taxinomiques (UTO = population, espèce, genre, sous-famille ). La présente étude et celle, réalisée en collaboration avecI. K. Ferguson (Hideux & Ferguson 1976), constituent la phase préliminaire, de présentation des données, pour une interprétation synthétique et mathématique (Hideux & Mahe en préparation). — Une note ronéotypée «Quelques compléments théoriques sur les méthodes statistiques utilisées et tableaux (Statistiques et Taxinomie numérique)» est à la disposition des intéressés (Palynologie, Paris).     

Contribution à la stratigraphie du site paléolithique de Mezhyrich (Ukraine)

This paper deals with a geoarchaeological study developed at the Epigravettian settlement of Mezhyrich (Ukraine) in the frame of the French ANR project “Mammouths”. Based on a microstratigraphic analysis of a complex loess sequence, this approach has provided a large set of complementary data focusing on archaeology, environment and chronology, which document the activities of the Epigravettian hunters at the site between ca 18,300 and 17,400 before present, during a cold period characterized by strong climatic and environmental contrast.     

Reactions of Re(III) with α-diketones: Oxidative addition

The reactions of [ReCl₃(CH₃CN)(PPh₃)₂] with benzil PhC(O)C(O)Ph, and with a natural 1,2-naphthoquinone derivative, β-lapachone (Lap), result in oxidative addition with the formation of Re(V) complexes with stilbenediolate, [ReCl₃(PhC(O)C(O)Ph)(PPh₃)] (1) and with a reduced semiquinonic form of lapachone, [Re^IVCl₃(Lap⁻)(PPh₃)] (2). The structures of both compounds were established by X-ray crystallography.     

Contribution à la connaissance des Bathysciina de la «série d’Aphaobius» (sensuJeannel, 1924) (Coleoptera: Leiodidae,Cholevinae, Leptodirini)

De nouvelles informations sont données concernant les genres de Leptodirini de la série d’«Aphaobius» (sensu Jeannel 1924). Oryotus ausmeieri n.sp. du nord de la Slovénie est décrite. Oryotus indentatus Pretner, 1955 jusqu’à présent considéré comme sous-espèce d’Oryotus micklitzi Reitter, 1885 est élevé au rang d’espèce. Neotropospeonella decui Pace, 1983 est mise en synonymie avec Oryotus ravasinii Müller, 1922, entraînant la synonymie du genre Neotropospeonella Pace, 1983 avec Oryotus Miller, 1856 et des sous-tribus correspondantes: Neotropospeonellina Perkovsky, 1997 et Bathysciina Horn, 1880. Pretneria droveniki Etonti, 2001 est transférée dans le genre Oryotus et mise en synonymie avec O. micklitzi Reitter, 1885; Pretneria latitarsis soriscensis n. ssp. est décrite. Le mâle de Lotharia angulicollis Mandl, 1944 est décrit pour la première fois, confirmant l’étroite parenté de cette espèce avec le genre Aphaobius Abeille de Perrin, 1878.     

Description of the larva of Kempnyia colossica (Navás) (Plecoptera: Perlidae) with biological notes

In this paper, the larva of Kempnyia colossica (Navás 1934) is described based on material collected in Parque Estadual Intervales, São Paulo State, and biological notes are presented.     

New grylloblattid insects (Insecta: Grylloblattida) from the Grès à Voltzia of the Vosges (Middle Triassic of France)

New grylloblattid insects (Grylloblattida) are described from the Grès à Voltzia of the Vosges (Anisian of Alsace and Lorraine, France): Chauliodites anisicus, sp. nov. (Chaulioditidae), Palaeomesorthopteron pullus gen. et sp. nov. (Mesorthopteridae), Megakhosarodes vosgesicus sp. nov. (Megakhosaridae), Dorniella elcanoides sp. nov., D. apectinata sp. nov., D. diluta sp. nov., D. ovalis sp. nov., Baharellinus umbrosus sp. nov. Embigryllus shcherbakovi gen. et sp. nov., and Vosgesopterum arzvillerensis gen. et sp. nov. (Blattogryllidae).     

Is there any genetic differentiation among populations of Piptochaetium napostaense (Speg.) Hack (Poaceae) with different grazing histories?

Native populations of perennial grasses subjected to heavy grazing are typically shorter and more prostrate than ungrazed or lightly defoliated ones. However, it is often difficult to find out whether the morphological modifications are the result of genetic differentiation or phenotypic plasticity. Piptochaetium napostaense (Speg.) Hack. is a native perennial cool-season palatable grass with a dwarf form abundant in the areas subjected to heavy grazing. In this study, we tried to determine whether the populations with different grazing histories are genetically differentiated. We considered three different grazing conditions: enclosure (prevented from grazing during 20 years), livestock grazing, and burrow (heavily grazed by cattle and a wild rodent herbivore, the vizcacha). Isozyme analyses were carried out in order to assess the genetic variability of the populations under study. We further studied the progeny of plants with different grazing histories to determine whether the morphological differences are transmitted to the next generation. Seedlings obtained from seeds belonging to enclosure and burrow were grown in the greenhouse and their vegetative and reproductive response under different water and nutrient availability levels were recorded. From the isozymes analyses we found low levels of genetic variation in the populations studied, with an average of 20.5% polymorphic loci, 1.2 alleles per locus and 0.015 mean expected heterozygosity. From the total genetic diversity, only 1.4% was due to differences among population. In addition, either enclosure or burrow populations had the same growth and reproductive response over treatments differing in water and nutrient levels. The morphological differentiation among plants with different grazing histories appears to be the outcome of a phenotypically plastic response of adapted genotypes.     

Specificity of latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) incorporation into matrix: Role of fibrillins and fibronectin

Fibrillin microfibrils are extracellular matrix structures with essential functions in the development and the organization of tissues including blood vessels, bone, limbs and the eye. Fibrillin‐1 and fibrillin‐2 form the core of fibrillin microfibrils, to which multiple proteins associate to form a highly organized structure. Defining the components of this structure and their interactions is crucial to understand the pathobiology of microfibrillopathies associated with mutations in fibrillins and in microfibril‐associated molecules. In this study, we have analyzed both in vitro and in vivo the role of fibrillin microfibrils in the matrix deposition of latent TGF‐β binding protein 1 (LTBP‐1), ‐3 and ‐4; the three LTBPs that form a complex with TGF‐β. In Fbn1^?/? ascending aortas and lungs, LTBP‐3 and LTBP‐4 are not incorporated into a matrix lacking fibrillin‐1 microfibrils, whereas LTBP‐1 is still deposited. In addition, in cultures of Fbn1^?/? smooth muscle cells or lung fibroblasts, LTBP‐3 and LTBP‐4 are not incorporated into a matrix lacking fibrillin‐1 microfibrils, whereas LTBP‐1 is still deposited. Fibrillin‐2 is not involved in the deposition of LTBP‐1 in Fbn1^?/? extracellular matrix as cells deficient for both fibrillin‐1 and fibrillin‐2 still incorporate LTBP‐1 in their matrix. However, blocking the formation of the fibronectin network in Fbn1^?/? cells abrogates the deposition of LTBP‐1. Together, these data indicate that LTBP‐3 and LTBP‐4 association with the matrix depends on fibrillin‐1 microfibrils, whereas LTBP‐1 association depends on a fibronectin network. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3828–3836, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.