Hesperetin mitigates acrolein-induced apoptosis in lung cells in vitro and in vivo

Objectives: A number of studies have suggested that acrolein-induced lung injury and pulmonary diseases are associated with the depletion of antioxidants and the production of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, compounds that scavenge reactive oxygen species may exert protective effects against acrolein-induced apoptosis. Because hesperetin, a natural flavonoid, has been reported to have an antioxidant activity, we investigated the effect of hesperitin against acrolein-induced apoptosis of lung cells.

Methods: We evaluated the protective role of hesperetin in acrolein-induced lung injury using Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells and mice.

Results: Upon exposure of LLC cells and mice to acrolein, hesperetin ameliorated the lung inbjury through attenuation of oxidative stress.

Conclusion: In the present report, we demonstrate that hesperetin exhibits a protective effect against acrolein-induced apoptosis of lung cells in both in vitro and in vivo models. Our study provides a useful model to investigate the potential application of hesperetin for the prevention of lung diseases associated with acrolein toxicity.     

Epiphytes in human settlements in rural Panama

Background: An ever-increasing proportion of tropical ecosystems are affected by on-going land-use changes, stressing the importance of understanding how organisms cope with biotic and abiotic challenges outside their natural habitat. An important group in the tropics are vascular epiphytes, whose response to human disturbance is poorly understood.

Aims: Creating a baseline data set of epiphyte diversity in human settlements and assessing differences with assemblages of less disturbed habitats.

Methods: We surveyed the vascular epiphyte assemblages in 25 settlements of south-west Panama along a rainfall gradient. We tested how epiphyte assemblages were affected by human disturbance and climate by comparing our data to that of pastures and forest.

Results: Almost half (238 of 499) of all studied trees hosted at least one epiphyte. Altogether, 10,700 epiphytes of 56 species were found. Rainfall strongly affected both composition and diversity of epiphyte assemblages, whereas geographic proximity did not. In settlements, the species pool was considerably smaller than in pastures and undisturbed forest; however, settlements’ diversity was only significantly lower compared to pastures.

Conclusions: Epiphyte assemblages in settlements had a diminished species pool but diversity per tree was comparable to less disturbed habitats. Unsurprisingly, rainfall seems to be the main determinant of epiphyte diversity in rural settlements.     

Changes in moorland and heathland bird abundance in southwest England in relation to environmental change

Capsule: Population changes of many moorland and heathland birds in southwest England show associations with environmental change, and the area supports notable breeding populations of species of conservation concern.

Aims: To quantify changes in moorland and heathland breeding bird abundance in relation to changes in environmental variables.

Methods: A two-visit moorland bird survey method was used to estimate the abundance of 23 target bird species in 2008 and 2014 in Exmoor National Park, southwest England. Data on changes in 25 environmental variables over the same period were used to test associations between changes in bird abundance and environmental change.

Results: Fourteen species increased in abundance and nine decreased. Breeding species which wintered on or close to Exmoor were less likely to show negative population changes than species which migrated to winter in southern Europe or Africa. Change in abundance of 18 species was associated with change in at least one environmental variable, and these relationships were broadly consistent with the known ecology of these species.

Conclusion: Although some moorland species have declined or gone locally extinct, this area of moorland and heathland in southwest England remains an important stronghold for several species of high conservation concern. The maintenance of semi-natural moorland and heathland habitats in areas such as Exmoor may provide important refuges for such species, both now and in the future.     

Differential methylation patterns in molecular species of phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives in rat liver membranes

The appearance of individual molecular species of phospholipids in the complete sequence of the transmethylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was examined in rat liver microsomes incubated with S-adenosyl-L-[methyl-14C]methionine. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidyl-N,N-dimethylethanolamine (dimethyl-PE), or phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine (monomethyl-PE) showed that radioactivity was present in the same six principal molecules; a first group is constituted by 16:0/22:6, 16:0/20:4 and 16:0/18:2 and a second one by the homologous molecules with 18:0 instead of 16:0 at the sn-1 position of glycerol. In PC, 16:0/22:6 (23% of total radioactivity) was preponderant, and 18:0/20:4 was the lowest. The ratios cpm in PC/nmol in PE were in the order: 16:0/22:6 greater than 16:0/18:2 greater than 16:0/20:4 followed by the corresponding 18:0 molecules. On the other hand, in intermediate phospholipids, incorporation of methyl groups was most marked in 18:0/20:4 (24-27% of total). 16:0/22:6 and 16:0/18:2 were low in comparison to their relative values in PC. The ratio (18:0/20:4)/(16:0/22:6) was 4.5-5.6-times higher in monomethyl-PE and dimethyl-PE than in PC. These differences were found consistently, regardless of incubation time of microsomes (2.5-60 min) and of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) concentration (3 or 100 microM). In liver membranes, it would therefore seem that there is a different selectivity in methyl group transfer, depending upon whether the first two steps or the third step of the reaction are considered. Side reactions, such as deacylation/reacylation, are unlikely to account for this difference, which could rather be related to the enzyme itself.     

Significance of an increase in the titer of agglutinins in the microagglutination test in leptospirosis

The authors considered different views of investigators on the diagnostic antibody titre level in the microagglutination test (MAT) in leptospirosis of man and animals. Some of them took into consideration MAT in low titres (1:10-1:20), and others - in high only (1:400, 1:1000), which gave no possibility to assess the state of leptospirosis morbidity. The authors suggest that the assessment of the level of the titres in single and repeated studies should be approached differentially. In single examination 1:100 and over should be considered as a positive MAT titre for man, 1:200 and over - for cattle, 1:20 and over - for swine, and 1:20 and over for murine rodents. In repeated investigations any level of the titre in case of its dynamics should be taken into consideration.     

War in Guatemala and Exile in Florida

Book reviewed in this article:
Unfinished Conquest: The Guatemalan Tragedy . Victor Perera. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993. 382 pp. Maya in Exile: Guatemalans in Florida. Allan F. Burns. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1993. 208 pp.     

Undergraduate teaching in gerodontology in Austria, Switzerland and Germany

Objective: To survey the present state of undergraduate teaching in the domain of gerodontology in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Study participants: All universities of Austria (A), Germany (D) and Switzerland (CH). Protocol: A questionnaire on undergraduate teaching in gerodontology was mailed to all Deans (A: n = 3; CH: n = 4; D: n = 31) and all independent departments except paediatric dentistry and orthodontics (A: n = 11; CH: n = 15; D: n = 111). Results: The questionnaires were completed and returned by 29 Deans (A: n = 2; CH: n = 4; D: n = 23) and 102 departments (A: n = 7; CH: n = 8; D: n = 87). In Austria, gerodontology is a very small component of the dental curriculum and the Deans did not want this to be increased. Most German universities claimed to teach some aspects of gerodontology to undergraduate students and 87.4% of the Deans voted for separate lectures in gerodontology. In Switzerland, gerodontology seems well established. The results of questionnaires from the independent departments revealed that in all three countries lectures were more prevalent (A: n = 0; CH: n = 4; D: n = 6) than practical training in nursing homes (A: n = 0; CH: n = 3; D: n = 6). Conclusion: Considering the demographical shift which is leading to an increasing proportion of elderly in the population, the weighting of gerodontology in the undergraduate dental curriculum should be considered for revision in Austria and Germany.     

Changes in plasma fatty acids indicate change in nutritional status in developing Weddell seal pups

The concentrations and the fatty acid compositions (weight percent) of three plasma lipid fractions (phospholipids, cholesteryl esters, and triacylglycerols) were examined in five Weddell seal pups through suckling, the post-weaning fast and periods of independent foraging. The principal plasma fatty acids in Weddell seal pups during suckling were the same as those previously reported for milk samples collected from lactating Weddell seals. In contrast to the stable milk fatty acid composition suggested by the previous study, significant changes in the fatty acid composition of plasma lipids occurred during suckling. These included an increase in the weight% of 20:4(n-6) and 18:0 in phospholipids, an increase of 20:4(n-6) in cholesteryl esters, and an increase of 20:1(n-9) and a decrease of 20:5(n-3) in triacylglycerols. Weaning and the subsequent fasting period were accompanied by a dramatic drop in the plasma concentration and 14:0 content of triacylglycerols and by marked decrease and increase in the weight% of 20:1(n-9) and 20:5(n-3), respectively, in this lipid fraction. Weight% of 14:0 in triacylglycerols and/or plasma concentration of triacylglycerols clearly distinguish post-weaning from suckling. However, fasting versus foraging pups could not be clearly distinguished. Received: 7 October 1996 / Accepted: 20 May 1997     

Status of Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos in Britain in 2015

Capsule: A complete survey of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos in Britain in 2015 found that the population had increased by 15% since 2003 to 508 territorial pairs.

Aims: The survey aimed to investigate the population size, distribution and breeding success of Golden Eagles in Britain, and to compare results with similar surveys since the early 1980s.

Methods: Every home range was visited on a minimum of three occasions between January and August 2015. First, to look for eagles or signs of their presence (January–March), then to look for evidence of breeding or further checks for occupation (April–June) and finally to record productivity of nesting pairs (July–August).

Results: The figure of 508 territorial pairs represents a 15% increase in the population from 442 pairs in 2003. The proportion of home ranges occupied was 70%. The largest increases in the proportion of occupied home ranges were in south-central Highlands (71%), northern moors and flows (38%) and northwest Highlands (29%), with modest increases of up to 10% in the other regions. Productivity was lower in 2015 than in 2003, and there was significant variation in breeding success between regions.

Conclusion: The British Golden Eagle population has increased since 2003, although the species is absent from England and Wales. The population now meets the abundance target identified to define favourable conservation status in Scotland, and while home range occupancy has increased there is regional variation, with some regions falling below the target levels. A combination of increased annual monitoring and tagging of eagles, as well as the introduction of new legislation, may serve as effective deterrents against persecution of eagles thus facilitating this population increase. However, concerns remain over low levels of home range occupancy particularly in the east Highlands, but also the proportion of sub-adult pairs holding territory in that region and in the south-central Highlands. Persecution associated with grouse moor management has been highlighted as a particular population constraint in both of these areas.     

Role of glutathione in regulation of hydroperoxidase I in growing Escherichia coli.

To examine role of glutathione in regulation of catalases in growing Escherichia coli, katG::lacZ and katE::lacZ fusions were transformed into a glutathione-deficient Escherichia coli strain and wild-type parent. In the absence of H2O2 and in the presence of the low H2O2 concentrations (0.1-3 mM), the gshA mutation stimulated katG::lacZ expression and the total catalase activity in exponential phase. In the absence of H2O2, the mutation in gshA also stimulated katE::lacZ expression. At higher H2O2 concentrations, the gshA mutation suppressed katG::lacZ expression and catalase activity. In stationary and mid-exponential phases, the intracellular concentrations of H2O2 in the gshA mutant were markedly increased compared to those in the wild type. These results suggest that glutathione may be involved in regulation of catalases.     

Involvement of ferredoxin in desaturation of lipid-bound oleate in chloroplasts

Intact spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplasts, pulse-labeled with [¹⁴C]acetate, desaturate newly formed fatty acids as ester groups of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol in a subsequent chase in the dark. Rupture of pulse-labeled chloroplasts by addition of a detergent solution 3-([3-cholamidopropyl]dimethylammonio)-1-propane sulfonate preserves part of this desaturation activity. Direct addition of different free fatty acids together with appropriate cofactors to detergent-ruptured chloroplasts results in fatty acid labeling of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol. During subsequent incubation these lipid-linked fatty acids are desaturated, i.e. 18:1 to 18:2 and 18:3 and to a small extent also 16:0 to 16:3. The formation of 18:2 was also observed after incorporation of 18:1 into sulfolipid and phosphatidyl choline. Density gradient centrifugation separated a membrane fraction from detergent-ruptured chloroplasts which in the presence of appropriate cofactors incorporated 18:1 and 18:2 into the above-mentioned lipids. In the light, desaturation was dependent on added ferredoxin, whereas in the dark, in addition to ferredoxin NAD(P)H was also required. Preliminary evidence for the involvement of membrane-bound ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductase (FNR) as a third component of desaturation in the dark was obtained by inhibitor studies including antibodies against FNR. Desaturation of lipid-bound 18:1 and 18:2 resembles stearoyl-ACP desaturation with respect to its requirement of reduced ferredoxin and oxygen.     

Fifty years of vegetation change in oceanic-montane liverwort-rich heath in Scotland

Background: Liverwort heath is considered in Scotland to be one of the vegetation types most vulnerable to environmental change, yet detailed insights into its dynamics are lacking.

Aims: To assess the nature and extent of plant compositional changes in liverwort heath over 50 years and relate this to environmental change drivers.

Methods: Vegetation plots previously recorded 20 and 50 years ago were re-surveyed to assess changes in species composition, plot-level species richness and between-plot variability, using several β-diversity indices and partitioning. The environmental indicator values of the species that showed most change were used to identify the environmental drivers of change.

Results: Liverwort heath in north-west Scotland has undergone compositional changes over 50 years, becoming more heterogeneous, and losing some of its distinct character. Dwarf shrubs and specialist liverworts have decreased, while graminoids have increased. Partitioning of change in β diversity indicated that mainly changes in species richness, rather than species turnover, have driven the taxonomic differentiation over time. Grazing, eutrophication and warmer and drier conditions were found to be potentially important drivers of the observed vegetation change.

Conclusions: Our results highlight the vulnerability of liverwort heath to environmental change.     

Seasonal variation in plasma lipids and lipases in young healthy humans

Although intermediate metabolism is known to follow circadian rhythms, little information is available on the variation in lipase activities (lipoprotein and hepatic lipase, LPL and HL, respectively) and lipids throughout the year.

In a cross-sectional study, we collected and analysed blood from 245 healthy students (110 men and 135 women) between 18 and 25 years old from the University of Barcelona throughout the annual campaign (March, May, October and December) of the blood bank. All subjects gave their written informed consent to participate. All blood samples were taken after breakfast at 8:00 and 11:00 am.

Plasma glucose, total plasma protein, triacylglycerides (TAG), free fatty acids (FFA), free cholesterol and esterified cholesterol (FC and TC, respectively), cholesterol in low-density lipoproteins (cLDL), cholesterol in high-density lipoproteins (cHDL), phospholipids (PL) and lipase activities (LPL and HL) were determined. Cosinor analysis was used to evaluate the presence (significance of fit cosine curve to data and variance explained by rhythm) and characteristics of possible 12-month rhythms (acrophase, MESOR and amplitude).

Statistically significant seasonal rhythms were detected for all the variables studied except proteins, with most of them peaking in the winter season. The lowest value for cLDL and the HL occurs in summer, while for cHDL and the LPL it is in winter.

These findings demonstrate for the first time that in physiological conditions, plasma LPL and HL activities and lipids follow seasonal rhythms. The metabolic significance of this pattern is discussed.     

The sex ratios of bovine embryos produced in vivo and in vitro

The male:female ratio of developing bovine embryos produced and allowed to develop in vitro and in vivo was determined retrospectively from the cytogenetic analysis of 804 embyos. The overall male:female ratio of the 307 (38%) embryos that could be sexed was 162 (52.8%):145 (47.2%) and did not differ (P>0.05) from the expected 1:1 ratio. Among premorula stage embryos produced in vivo (n = 66) and in vitro (n = 30), the ratios were 1.2:1 and 0.76:1, respectively. Among morulae and blastocysts produced in vivo (n = 74), produced and cultured in vitro (n = 106, and produced in vitro and cultured in vivo (n = 31), the ratios were 1.11:1, 1.3:1 and 0.94:1, respectively, none of which differed significantly from 1:1. There was no difference (P>0.05) in the number of cells or mitotic index between male and female morulae and blastocyst, respectively.     

Influence of testosterone on polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in Sertoli cells in culture

Sertoli cells play a central role in spermatogenesis, its development and regulation. They are target cells for androgen action in the seminiferous tubules. The Sertoli cell is considered to be the most important cell type in the testis with regard to essential fatty acid metabolism. We studied the response to testosterone of cultured Sertoli cells from immature rats by determining the fatty acid composition of total cellular lipids as well as by the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid methyl esters were analysed by gas liquid chromatography and radiochromatography. Two doses of testosterone were tested (150 and 300 ng ml(-1)). Significant differences were found in fatty acids derived from total cellular lipids after 8 days in culture in the presence of testosterone (300 ng ml(-1), for 48 h). Compared to controls, the hormone produced a significant increase of 16:1 and 18:1 n-9, and of 18:2 n-6, and a decrease of 20:4 and 22:5 n-6 in total cellular lipids. The decrease in the n-6 fatty acid ratios 20:4/20:3, 20:4/18:2 and 24:5/24:4, and the increase in 18:1n-9/18:0 and 16:1n-9/16:0 ratios were taken as an indirect signal of testosterone effects on Delta5, Delta6 and Delta9 desaturase activities. The drop in Delta5 and Delta6 desaturase activities was corroborated by analysing the transformation of [1-14C]20:3 n-6 into its higher homologues. We concluded that testosterone modifies the fatty acid pattern of cultured Sertoli cells, and this hormone is involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, modulating Delta5 and Delta6 desaturases activity.     

Mutational specificity of N-nitrosodimethylamine: Comparison between in vivo and in vitro assays

We have determined the DNA alterations recovered after treatment with Aroclor 1254-treated rat S9-activated N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in the N-terminal region of the LacI gene of E. coli. A total of 125 independent Lacl^-d mutants of E. Coli were characterized by DNA sequencing. Consistent with the known methylating ability of this compound, the predominant mutation was the G:C → A:T transition, which accounted for 90% of all the mutations recovered. Non G:C → A:T events include 2 G:C → T:A 2 G:C → C:G, 2 A:T → G:C, 3 A:T → T:A and 3 frameshifts. Contingency analysis reveals that NDMA-induced mutation recovered after in vitro activation (S9) have a spectrum very similar to that previously obtained after in vivo activation employing a mouse host-mediated assay. In both systems, G:C → A:T events clearly dominate and their distribution reveals similar site-specificity Moreover, the proportion and kind of non-G:C → A::T events are also similar     

Inflammatory signature in lung tissues in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema

Background: The aetiology and inflammatory profile of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) remain uncertain currently.

Objective: We aimed to examine the levels of inflammatory proteins in lung tissue in a cohort of patients with emphysema, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and CPFE.

Materials and methods: Explanted lungs were obtained from subjects with emphysema, IPF, CPFE, (or normal subjects), and tissue extracts were prepared. Thirty-four inflammatory proteins were measured in each tissue section.

Results: The levels of all 34 proteins were virtually indistinguishable in IPF compared with CPFE tissues, and collectively, the inflammatory profile in the emphysematous tissues were distinct from IPF and CPFE. Moreover, inflammatory protein levels were independent of the severity of the level of diseased tissue.

Conclusions: We find that emphysematous lung tissues have a distinct inflammatory profile compared with either IPF or CPFE. However, the inflammatory profile in CPFE lungs is essentially identical to lungs from patients with IPF. These data suggest that distinct inflammatory processes collectively contribute to the disease processes in patients with emphysema, when compared to IPF and CPFE.     

Eggshell speckling in a passerine bird reveals chronic long-term decline in soil calcium

Capsule: Long-term changes in eggshell speckling correlated temporally and spatially with declining soil calcium in an English Great Tit Parus major population.

Aims: Eggshell speckling in the Great Tit correlates with eggshell thickness and calcium availability. We investigated whether eggshell speckling changed in a Great Tit population during a period when soil calcium declined, and estimated changes in eggshell thickness.

Methods: Eggshell pigmentation of 2313 Great Tit clutches was recorded in 1988–2007 across a geological gradient in Wytham Woods, UK. Soil surveys conducted in 1974 and 1991 were repeated in 2008. Temporal and spatial changes in eggshell speckling and soil calcium were examined using generalized linear mixed models. We also estimated the change in eggshell thickness over this period.

Results: Soil-calcium availability declined 1974–2008 especially in calcium-rich limestone areas. A systematic change in eggshell speckling, approximating to a 6.5% reduction in eggshell thickness, occurred between 1988 and 2007. The change was greatest in parts of Wytham that experienced the greatest decline in soil calcium. Hatching success was unaffected.

Conclusion: Soil-calcium availability has declined in Wytham Woods, affecting Great Tit eggshell characteristics. This is the first evidence that declining soil calcium affects birds nesting in calcium-rich areas. Practical applications of these findings are considered.     

Women in Cairo

Development, Change, and Gender in Cairo:. View from the Household. Diane Singerman and Homa Hoodfar. eds. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1996. 189 pp.
Tomorrow, God Willing: Self-Made Destinies in Cairo. Unni Wikan. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996. 333 pp.     

Haptoglobin subtypes in Norway and a review of HP subtypes in various populations.

Isofocusing and immunoblotting of reduced serum samples identify the common haptoglobin alpha-chain variants 1S, 1F, 2FS, 2SS, 2FF, 3, as well as several rare alpha- and beta-chain variants. The gene frequencies found in 6,668 unrelated persons involved in Norwegian paternity cases were: HP*1S: 0.22, HP*1F: 0.16, HP*2FS: 0.58, HP*2SS: 0.04, HP*2FF: 0.004, HP*3: 0.0004, other HP* alpha variants: 0.0004, HP* beta variants: 0.0008. The corresponding gene frequencies in 153 unrelated Norwegian Saamis (Lapps) were: HP*1S: 0.19, HP*1F: 0.07, HP*2FS: 0.70, HP*2SS: 0.04. Norwegians and Norwegian Saamis differed both in phenotype and allele distribution. An earlier Norwegian population study has shown a lower HP*1 frequency in the north than in the south. This regional difference in haptoglobin gene distribution was reflected in the present material as a lower 1F frequency, indicating a Saamish influence in northern Norway. Furthermore, the relatively low 2FF frequency in the north coincides with the lack of observed 2FF genes in the Saamish population. Non-Scandinavians involved in Norwegian paternity cases did not differ from the rest of the material. A review of published haptoglobin gene frequencies shows the 1F frequency to be a good indicator of ethnic origin, and that 2FF and 2SS frequency determinations may also be valuable in genetic population studies.