Metagenomic Identification of a Novel Salt Tolerance Gene from the Human Gut Microbiome Which Encodes a Membrane Protein with Homology to a brp/blh-Family β-Carotene 15,15′-Monooxygenase

The human gut microbiome consists of at least 3 million non-redundant genes, 150 times that of the core human genome. Herein, we report the identification and characterisation of a novel stress tolerance gene from the human gut metagenome. The locus, assigned brpA, encodes a membrane protein with homology to a brp/blh-family β-carotene monooxygenase. Cloning and heterologous expression of brpA in Escherichia coli confers a significant salt tolerance phenotype. Furthermore, when cultured in the presence of exogenous β-carotene, cell pellets adopt a red/orange pigmentation indicating the incorporation of carotenoids in the cell membrane.     

Examining the Interaction of Acceptance and Understanding: How Does the Relationship Change with a Focus on Macroevolution?

The goal of this research was to illuminate the relationship between students’ acceptance and understanding of macroevolution. Our research questions were: (1) Is there a relationship between knowledge of macroevolution and acceptance of the theory of evolution?; (2) Is there a relationship between the amount of college level biology course work and acceptance of evolutionary theory and knowledge of macroevolution?; and (3) Can college student acceptance of the theory of evolution and knowledge of macroevolution change over the course of a semester? The research participants included 667 students from a first-semester biology course and 74 students from the evolutionary biology course. Data were collected using both the MATE (a measure of the acceptance of evolutionary theory) and the MUM (a measure of understanding of macroevolution). Pre-instruction data were obtained for the introductory biology course, and pre- and post-data were obtained for the evolutionary biology course. Analysis revealed acceptance of evolution (as measured by the MATE) was correlated to understanding of macroevolution, and the number of biology courses was significantly correlated to acceptance and knowledge of macroevolution. Finally, there was a statistically significant change in students’ understanding of macroevolution and acceptance of evolution after the one-semester evolutionary biology course. Significance of these findings is discussed.     

Eolacertidae: a new extinct clade of lizards from the Palaeogene; with comments on the origin of the dominant European reptile group – Lacertidae

We describe a new lizard taxon, Stefanikia siderea gen. et sp. nov., from the early-middle Eocene locality of Messel in Germany based on a nearly complete skeleton, which we studied using μCT methods. It shares many characters with the Eocene taxon Eolacerta, which is broadly distributed in the Eocene of central and Western Europe, but is much smaller and shows several important anatomical differences. The new discovery sheds light on the paleodiversity of these lizards in the Eocene of Europe, and the new family name Eolacertidae is proposed to encompass Eolacerta and Stefanikia. The relationships of Eolacerta have been intractable. Our phylogenetic analyses confirm that Eolacertidae is a member of the clade Lacertiformes and provide strong support for a sister-group relationship to Lacertidae. In some places, skin impressions are preserved, displaying the body scalation. As such, the exquisitely preserved specimens of Eolacertidae from Messel provide new insight into the morphology and ecology of lizards on the stem of Lacertidae, Europe’s dominant group of living reptiles.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DFD01563-A913-4286-B64B-E0912474FD08     

Report from Mongolia – How much do we know about the incidence of rare cases in less developed countries: a case series

Introduction

Prostate cancer is known to have a tendency to metastasize to bone. Skeletal scintigraphy can be used to show multiple lesions. Diffuse metastasis, which is not infrequent in prostate cancer, can also be suspected on the basis of a 'super scan'. However, this phenomenon in nuclear medicine has several other causes that need to be considered.

Case presentation

A patient with a history of prostate cancer presented with pleural fluid, peripheral edema and bone pain. A super scan of the bone was found which suggested diffuse skeletal metastasis of the prostate cancer but the patient also had a prostate specific antigen level which was not compatible with this diagnosis. Further investigations revealed the paraneoplastic phenomenon of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, related to an incurable carcinoma of the lung, to be the cause of the super scan.

Conclusion

A super scan is characterized by a high bone to soft tissue ratio on skeletal scintigraphy, with a uniform symmetrical increase in bone uptake and diminished to absent renal visualization ('absent kidney sign'). It can be seen in a variety of diseases in which there is a diffusely increased bone turnover. Diffuse skeletal metastasis of a well-differentiated prostate carcinoma is unlikely to be the cause of a super scan when the prostate specific antigen level is not elevated. This is the first report of a super scan due to pulmonary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy which can be seen in lung carcinoma and other pulmonary diseases.     

Revision of the plant bug genus Xenocylapus Bergroth (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae), with a description of Henryfulvius gracilis – a new cylapine genus and species from Ecuador

The genus Xenocylapus Bergroth, 1922 is revised. Nine new species, Xenocylapus aculeatus sp. nov., X. aquilonius sp. nov., X. bicolor sp. nov., X. globulus sp. nov., X. heissi sp. nov., X. panamaensis sp. nov., X. serrulatus sp. nov., X. tenuis sp. nov., and X. waorani sp. nov., are described from Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama. New genus and species Henryfulvius gracilis gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from Ecuador. Illustrations of the male genitalia, color photographs of dorsal and lateral views of the adult of most species, scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of X. tenuis, and keys to species of the genus Xenocylapus are provided.     

TELOCYTES – a case of serendipity: the winding way from Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC), via Interstitial Cajal-Like Cells (ICLC) to TELOCYTES

Ramon y Cajal discovered a particular cell type in the gut, which he named ‘interstitial neurons’ more that 100 years ago. In the early 1970s, electron microscopy/electron microscope (EM) studies showed that indeed a special interstitial cell type corresponding to the cells discovered by Cajal is localized in the gut muscle coat, but it became obvious that they were not neurons. Consequently, they were renamed ‘interstitial cells of Cajal’ (ICC) and considered to be pace-makers for gut motility. For the past 10 years many groups were interested in whether or not ICC are present outside the gastrointestinal tract, and indeed, peculiar interstitial cells were found in: upper and lower urinary tracts, blood vessels, pancreas, male and female reproductive tracts, mammary gland, placenta, and, recently, in the heart as well as in the gut. Such cells, now mostly known as interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC), were given different and confusing names. Moreover, ICLC are only apparently similar to canonical ICC. In fact, EM and cell cultures revealed very particular features of ICLC, which unequivocally distinguishes them from ICC and all other interstitial cells: the presence of 2–5 cell body prolongations that are very thin (less than 0.2 μm, under resolving power of light microscopy), extremely long (tens to hundreds of μm), with a moniliform aspect (many dilations along), as well as caveolae. Given the unique dimensions of these prolongations (very long and very thin) and to avoid further confusion with other interstitial cell types (e.g. fibroblast, fibrocyte, fibroblast-like cells, mesenchymal cells), we are proposing the term TELOCYTES for them, and TELOPODES for their prolongations, by using the Greek affix ‘telos’.     

Early Holocene vegetation and climate dynamics with particular reference to the 8.2 ka event: pollen and macrofossil evidence from a small lake in western Ireland

A detailed, AMS ¹⁴C-dated, pollen record from Cooney Lough, a small lake in Co. Sligo, western Ireland, is presented. Fluctuations in the pollen curves, indicative of changes in pollen productivity and shifts in woodland composition, suggest that the period spanned by the record (9.4–6 ka) was characterised by considerable climate instability. In all, five climate anomalies are recognised (CA-1 to CA-5). The most pronounced anomaly, CA-3, is dated to 8.45–8.2 ka, with the high point of that anomaly (CA-3b) centred on 8.2 ka and lasting about a century. On the basis of age, and also intensity and structure, CA-3b is equated with the 8.2 ka event as recorded in many proxies and especially the Greenland ice-core δ¹⁸O records. Key features of the event as recorded in the lake sediments include increased representation of Betula and Pinus (birch and pine; both widely recognised as cold tolerant trees) and a decline in Corylus and also Quercus (hazel and oak; both thermophilous). The anomalies CA-1 and CA-2 precede the 8.2 ka event, the former corresponding probably to the 9.2 ka event and the latter more pronounced, centred on ca. 8.8 ka and with a duration of approximately 100 years. The CA-4 event, at ca. 7.5 ka, is relatively minor as regards intensity while CA-5, which began at ca. 7.1 ka, initiated what seems to be a more long-lasting shift towards cooler conditions. The relationship of these developments to the arrival and expansion of alder (Alnus), a key feature of the Boreal/Atlantic transition in European, including Irish pollen records is also discussed.     

When to sample in an inaccessible landscape: a case study with carabids from the Allgäu (northern Alps) (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

While pitfall trapping is generally accepted as the standard method for sampling carabid beetles, this method has rarely been used in mountain ecosystems, mainly due to the high labour intensity it involves. As part of a research project in the German Alps, we investigated the phenologic appearance of adult carabid beetles in mountain ecosystems along with the consequences of possible reductions in sampling periods. Our results show that an early activity peak among carabids is predominant in mountain ecosystems. However, there are differences among species: the main group of species showed the highest activity directly after snow melt, a second group showed a delayed activity peak and a small third group had no clear peak at all. Based on this study, we recommend two fortnightly sampling periods as a minimum for a sampling programme: one immediately after snow melt, and a second sampling period after a pause of two weeks.     

Arginine interactions with anatase TiO2 (100) surface and the perturbation of 49Ti NMR chemical shifts – a DFT investigation: relevance to Renu-Seeram bio solar cell

Density functional theoretical calculations have been utilized to investigate the interaction of the amino acid arginine with the (100) surface of anatase and the reproduction of experimentally measured ⁴⁹Ti NMR chemical shifts of anatase. Significant binding of arginine through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonds of the arginine guanidinium protons to the TiO₂ surface oxygen atoms is observed, allowing attachment of proteins to titania surfaces in the construction of bio-sensitized solar cells. GIAO-B3LYP/6-31G(d) NMR calculation of a three-layer model based on the experimental structure of this TiO₂ modification gives an excellent reproduction of the experimental value (-927 ppm) within +/- 7 ppm, however, the change in relative chemical shifts, EFGs and CSA suggest that the effect of the electrostatic arginine binding might be too small for experimental detection.     

Resistance to Insecticides in Insect Vectors of Disease:estα3, a Novel Amplified Esterase Associated with Amplifiedestβ1from Insecticide Resistant Strains of the MosquitoCulex quinquesfasciatus

Vector control programmes in many countries face the dual problems of parasite drug resistance and insecticide resistance in the insect vectors of the disease. Here we report for the first time a new esterase-based insecticide resistance mechanism in the filariasis vectorCulex quinquefasciatus.The field collected COL strain ofC. quinquefasciatusfrom Columbia was heterogeneous for organophosphorus insecticide resistance. On native polyacrylamide gels it had an elevated β-naphthyl acetate specific esterase with the same R_fas that for the Estβ1s involved in insecticide resistance in other strains of this mosquito species. After five generations of temephos insecticide selection, both the esterase specific activity withp-nitrophenyl acetate and the temephos LC₅₀values were increased, suggesting that elevation of esterase activity was the underlying mechanism of resistance. Western blots with antisera raised to Estα2¹and Estβ2¹fromC. quinquefasciatusindicated that the COL strain had an elevated Estα3 enzyme which co-migrated on native gels with Estβ1. Southern blots indicated that anestα3gene was amplified in the COL strain and a Cuban mosquito strain (MRes), although the restriction digest patterns of theestβ1 genes in these two strains are different. In contrast, the Californian TEMR strain, with the amplifiedestβ1¹gene, had no associated elevated Estα.Restriction digest patterns for COL and TEMR DNA suggest that they contain an identicalestβ1¹gene, but our data suggest that theestα3gene occurs on the same amplicon as anestβ1 gene although the genes are probably >10 kb apart. Hence, either the COL strain has twoestβ1genes or theestβ1¹amplicon in TEMR has been disrupted at some stage during the long colonisation of this strain and the amplifiedestα has been lost.     

‘Can he have the test for bipolar,doctor? His dad's got it’: exploring the potential of general practitioners to work with children and young people presenting in primary care with common mental health problems – a clinical initiative

Background General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in assessing and managing adult mental health problems, but this input is not seen in their management of child and adolescent mental health. Mental health problems in 5–19-year-olds are common, yet detection rates in primary care are low. The symptoms of most adult diagnoses of mental health problems are present by mid-adolescence, yet the typical time from onset to diagnosis is 5–15 years. The role of general practice in this area has been underexplored.Aim This pilot study explores the potential of GPs to respond to common mental health problems in children and adolescents.Design Children and young people who would have ordinarily been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen in a GP setting. In a UK general practice surgery serving a disadvantaged population.Method Children and young people were seen for an initial biopsychosocial assessment and formulation of the presenting concerns. GP-based interventions were offered as appropriate or referred to CAMHS.Results Data from the first 50 children (2–19 years) are presented. Twenty younger children (10 years and under) and 30 older children (11 years and above) were seen. Eighteen referrals were made to CAMHS. GP interventions included watchful waiting, brief behavioural interventions, non-directive counselling, brief cognitive– behavioural therapy (CBT) and liaison with colleagues in education, CAMHS and the voluntary sector.Conclusion This clinical pilot demonstrates that with adequate time, access to supervision and practice support, children and young people experiencing emotional and behavioural problems associated with common mental health issues can be helped in primary care.     

Electron flow into cytochrome c coupled with reactive oxygen species from the electron transport chain converts cytochrome c to a cardiolipin peroxidase: role during ischemia–reperfusion

Background

Cytochrome c (Cyt c) is a mobile component of the electron transport chain (ETC.) which contains a tightly coordinated heme iron. In pathologic settings, a key ligand of the cyt c's heme iron, methionine (Met₈₀), is oxidized allowing cyt c to participate in reactions as a peroxidase with cardiolipin as a target. Myocardial ischemia (ISC) results in ETC. blockade and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that during ischemia–reperfusion (ISC-REP); ROS generation coupled with electron flow into cyt c would oxidize Met₈₀ and contribute to mitochondrial-mediated ETC. damage.

Methods

Mitochondria were incubated with specific substrates and inhibitors to test the contributions of ROS and electron flow into cyt c. Subsequently, cyt c and cardiolipin were analyzed. To test the pathophysiologic relevance, mouse hearts that underwent ISC-REP were tested for methionine oxidation in cyt c.

Results

The combination of substrate/inhibitor showed that ROS production and electron flux through cyt c are essential for the oxidation of methionine residues that lead to cardiolipin depletion. The content of cyt c methionine oxidation increases following ISC-REP in the intact heart.

Conclusions

Increase in intra-mitochondrial ROS coupled with electron flow into cyt c, oxidizes cyt c followed by depletion of cardiolipin. ISC-REP increases methionine oxidation, supporting that cyt c peroxidase activity can form in the intact heart.

General significance

This study identifies a new site in the ETC. that is damaged during cardiac ISC-REP. Generation of a neoperoxidase activity of cyt c favors the formation of a defective ETC. that activates signaling for cell death.