Restoration of Glutamatergic Transmission by Dopamine D4 Receptors in Stressed Animals

The prefrontal cortex (PFC), a key brain region for cognitive and emotional processes, is highly regulated by dopaminergic inputs. The dopamine D₄ receptor, which is enriched in PFC, has been implicated in mental disorders, such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. Recently we have found homeostatic regulation of AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in PFC pyramidal neurons by the D₄ receptor, providing a potential mechanism for D₄ in stabilizing cortical excitability. Because stress is tightly linked to adaptive and maladaptive changes associated with mental health and disorders, we examined the synaptic actions of D₄ in stressed rats. We found that neural excitability was elevated by acute stress and dampened by repeated stress. D₄ activation produced a potent reduction of excitatory transmission in acutely stressed animals and a marked increase of excitatory transmission in repeatedly stressed animals. These effects of D₄ targeted GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors and relied on the bi-directional regulation of calcium/calmodulin kinase II activity. The restoration of PFC glutamatergic transmission in stress conditions may enable D₄ receptors to serve as a synaptic stabilizer in normal and pathological conditions.     

Molecular evidence for a recent demographic expansion in the puma (Puma concolor) (Mammalia,Felidae)

The puma is an iconic predator that ranges throughout the Americas, occupying diverse habitats. Previous phylogeographic analyses have revealed that it exhibits moderate levels of genetic structure across its range, with few of the classically recognized subspecies being supported as distinct demographic units. Moreover, most of the species’ molecular diversity was found to be in South America. To further investigate the phylogeographic structure and demographic history of pumas we analyzed mtDNA sequences from 186 individuals sampled throughout their range, with emphasis on South America. Our objectives were to refine the phylogeographic assessment within South America and to investigate the demographic history of pumas using a coalescent approach. Our results extend previous phylogeographic findings, reassessing the delimitation of historical population units in South America and demonstrating that this species experienced a considerable demographic expansion in the Holocene, ca. 8,000 years ago. Our analyses indicate that this expansion occurred in South America, prior to the hypothesized re-colonization of North America, which was therefore inferred to be even more recent. The estimated demographic history supports the interpretation that pumas suffered a severe demographic decline in the Late Pleistocene throughout their distribution, followed by population expansion and re-colonization of the range, initiating from South America.     

Assessment of the reproductive parameters,laparoscopic oocyte recovery and the first embryos produced in vitro from endangered Canindé goats (Capra hircus)

The Canindé breed of goats (Capra hircus) is currently endangered. The aims of this study were to characterize the estrus behavior, ovulatory responses and progesterone profiles, and to evaluate the in vitro embryo production (IVP) in this breed. In Experiment 1, ten nulliparous and seven pluriparous females received medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP)-containing sponges (60 mg) plus 75 μg d-cloprostenol for estrus synchronization and their reproductive parameters were evaluated. In Experiment 2, oocytes obtained by laparascopy from hormonally stimulated females (n = 15) were used for IVP. There was no difference (p > 0.05) between nulliparous and pluriparous goats in terms of estrus response (40.0% vs. 85.7%), time from progestagen sponge removal to the onset of estrus (62.0 ± 15.5 vs. 50.7 ± 19.2 h; mean ± SEM), duration of estrus (25.0 ± 16.1 vs. 30.0 ± 15.1 h), percentage of ovulating animals (60.0% vs. 85.7%), number of ovulations (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.8), and diameter of the preovulatory follicle (5.8 ± 0.5 vs. 6.1 ± 0.3 mm). Progesterone concentrations were also similar (p > 0.05) in both groups. During laparoscopic recovery, there were average 12.2 aspirated follicles and 9.1 oocytes per goat, resulting in a high recovery rate (74.3%, 182/245). A total of 78 embryos were produced (51.0%). The mean number of cells in the blastocysts at day 7 of in vitro culture was 170.3 ± 12.5. In conclusion, nulliparous and pluriparous Canindé goats exhibited similar reproductive profiles. It was possible to produce embryos in vitro, allowing the instigation of an embryo bank for preservation of this breed.     

How Can the Operating Environment for Nutrition Research Be Improved in Sub-Saharan Africa? The Views of African Researchers

Optimal nutrition is critical for human development and economic growth. Sub-Saharan Africa is facing high levels of food insecurity and only few sub-Saharan African countries are on track to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. Effective research capacity is crucial for addressing emerging challenges and designing appropriate mitigation strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. A clear understanding of the operating environment for nutrition research in sub-Saharan Africa is a much needed prerequisite. We collected data on the barriers and requirements for conducting nutrition research in sub-Saharan Africa through semi-structured interviews with 144 participants involved in nutrition research in 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 133 interviews were retained for coding. The main barriers identified for effective nutrition research were the lack of funding due to poor recognition by policymakers of the importance of nutrition research and under-utilisation of research findings for developing policy, as well as an absence of research priority setting from within Africa. Current research topics were perceived to be mainly determined by funding bodies from outside Africa. Nutrition researchers argued for more commitment from policymakers at national level. The low capacity for nutrition research was mainly seen as a consequence of insufficient numbers of nutrition researchers, limited skills and a poor research infrastructure. In conclusion, African nutrition researchers argued how research priorities need to be identified by African stakeholders, accompanied by consensus building to enable creating a problem-driven national research agenda. In addition, it was considered necessary to promote interactions among researchers, and between researchers and policymakers. Multidisciplinary research and international and cross-African collaboration were seen as crucial to build capacity in sub-Saharan nutrition research.     

Description of Micropygomyia (Micropygomyia) ancashensis sp. nov. and the female of Lutzomyia (Helcocyrtomyia) chavinensis Pérez & Ogusuku (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) from Ancash department, Peru

A male of a new species Micropygomyia (Micropygomyia) ancashensis sp. nov. and a female of the Lutzomyia (Helcocyrtomyia) chavinensis Pérez & Ogusuku, 1999 captured in the Antonio Raymondi province, department of Ancash, Peru are described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the cayennensis series, being closest to Mi. lewisi (Feliciangeli Ordo?ez & Férnandez) though presenting highly sclerotized pseudotracheae on the labella that seem to constitute an autapomorphy among American Phlebotominae, and a clypeus almost completely covered with setae, as in Warileya. The female of Lu. chavinensis is close to those of Lu. blancasi Galati & Cáceres 1990, Lu. noguchii (Shannon, 1929), and Lu. pallidithorax Galati & Cáceres 1994.     

Description of Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) paleotrichia, a miocene period new species from the Dominican Republic (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)

A new fossil species of phlebotomine sandflies is described from Dominican amber based in one specimen. Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) paleotrichia sp. nov. is distinguished from the other extant and extinct species by aspects of paramere and the basal tuft of bristles in the gonocoxite.     

An integrated culture and real-time PCR method to assess viability of disinfectant treated Bacillus spores using robotics and the MPN quantification method

Using robotics and the MPN technique, a 96-microwell method was developed to compare two procedures for enumeration of viable chlorine-treated B. atrophaeus spores: broth-culture enrichment followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis; and filter plating on agar. Recoveries of chlorine-treated spores were improved by broth enrichment over filter plating, whereas recoveries of non-treated spores were not different in the two procedures.     

Risk Factors for Active Trachoma and Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Treatment-Na?ve Trachoma-Hyperendemic Communities of the Bijagós Archipelago,Guinea Bissau

Background

Trachoma, caused by ocular infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, is hyperendemic on the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea Bissau. An understanding of the risk factors associated with active trachoma and infection on these remote and isolated islands, which are atypical of trachoma-endemic environments described elsewhere, is crucial to the implementation of trachoma elimination strategies.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A cross-sectional population-based trachoma prevalence survey was conducted on four islands. We conducted a questionnaire-based risk factor survey, examined participants for trachoma using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified grading system and collected conjunctival swab samples for 1507 participants from 293 randomly selected households. DNA extracted from conjunctival swabs was tested using the Roche Amplicor CT/NG PCR assay. The prevalence of active (follicular and/or inflammatory) trachoma was 11% (167/1508) overall and 22% (136/618) in 1–9 year olds. The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 18% overall and 25% in 1–9 year olds. There were strong independent associations of active trachoma with ocular and nasal discharge, C. trachomatis infection, young age, male gender and type of household water source. C. trachomatis infection was independently associated with young age, ocular discharge, type of household water source and the presence of flies around a latrine.

Conclusions/Significance

In this remote island environment, household-level risk factors relating to fly populations, hygiene behaviours and water usage are likely to be important in the transmission of ocular C. trachomatis infection and the prevalence of active trachoma. This may be important in the implementation of environmental measures in trachoma control.