Specificity and genetic polymorphism in the Vfm quorum sensing system of plant pathogenic bacteria of the genus Dickeya

The Vfm quorum sensing (QS) system is preponderant for the virulence of different species of the bacterial genus Dickeya. The vfm gene cluster encodes 26 genes involved in the production, sensing or transduction of the QS signal. To date, the Vfm QS signal has escaped detection by analytical chemistry methods. However, we report here a strain-specific polymorphism in the biosynthesis genes vfmO and vfmP, which is predicted to be related to the production of different analogues of the QS signal. Consequently, the Vfm communication could be impossible between strains possessing different variants of the genes vfmO/P. We constructed three Vfm QS biosensor strains possessing different vfmO/P variants and compared these biosensors for their responses to samples prepared from 34 Dickeya strains possessing different vfmO/P variants. A pattern of specificity was demonstrated, providing evidence that the polymorphism in the genes vfmO/P determines the biosynthesis of different analogues of the QS signal. Unexpectedly, this vfmO/P-dependent pattern of specificity is linked to a polymorphism in the ABC transporter gene vfmG, suggesting an adaptation of the putative permease VfmG to specifically bind different analogues of the QS signal. Accordingly, we discuss the possible involvement of VfmG as co-sensor of the Vfm two-component regulatory system.     

Type designation of the oaks Quercus ballota and Q. rotundifolia (Fagaceae)

The names Quercus ballota and Q. rotundifolia (Fagaceae), referring to taxa sometimes considered conspecific with the widely distributed Q. ilex, are discussed and typified. A specimen preserved at MPU is designated as the lectotype of Desfontaines's name Q. ballota. Lamarck's name Q. rotundifolia is neotypified using a specimen preserved at VAL, with several duplicates in other European herbaria.     

“Ordered” structure in solutions and gels of a globular protein as studied by small angle neutron scattering

Small-angle neutron scattering measurements were used for structural investigation of β-lactoglobulin solutions and heat-set gels in conditions of strong double layer repulsions. At pH 9 and low ionic strength, a correlation peak was observed on the scattering curves of the solutions whatever the protein concentration C used (in the range C = 0.02–0.10 g/mL). The wave vector value q_max corresponding to these maxima scaled as C^0.25. This exponent value is in agreement with those reported in the literature for other globular proteins in the same concentration range. Increasing the ionic strength decreased the peak which vanished without changing position at 0.1M NaCl. This polyelectrolyte-like behaviour suggests a local structure in the protein solution due to double layer repulsions. In the case of heat-set aggregates and gels (0.02–0.13 g/mL) formed at pH 9 and low ionic strength, a peak in the scattering curves was also observed indicating that even after gelation a correlation is still present; q_max varied as C^0.5. As in the case of the solutions, the correlation peak decreased with increasing ionic strength, and it vanished at 0.06M NaCl. The dilution of the aggregates in order to determine their intraparticle structure factor showed that the correlations were lost and that the aggregates displayed the same internal structure as the elementary subunit in the gels. At high ionic strength, fractal structures of the aggregates down to a length scale of about 40 Å were observed with d_f = 1.3–1.75 ± 0.05, increasing with protein concentration. Subsequent dilution didn't change the fractal dimension of these structures. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Comparison of the subcellular distribution of G-proteins in hepatocytes in situ and in primary cultures

The subcellular localization of the heterotrimeric G-proteins in hepatocytes in situ was compared to that in hepatocytes in primary culture. The ability of various ligands to activate adenylyl cyclase (AC) in membrane preparations was also investigated. In hepatocytes in situ the G proteins were mainly localized at the plasma membrane while in hepatocytes in culture they were predominantly cytoplasmic. The localization of the G-proteins in hepatocytes in situ correlates with their role in signal transduction. In homogenates prepared from the cultured cells, ligands which stimulate AC via G_sα were without effect, which was consistent with the localization of G_sα in the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments. The “relocalization” of the G proteins to the cytoplasm when cells are cultured suggests that transmembrane signalling may be regulated by cell differentiation and cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Peptides and self-stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex in the rat: effects of intracerebral microinjections of substance P and cholecystokinin

The effects of intracerebral microinjections of substance P and cholecystokinin on self-stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex of the rat were studied. Intracerebroventricular administration of substance P at doses of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 micrograms produced a dose-related decrease in self-stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex; spontaneous motor activity, measured as a control, was not affected. Unilateral microinjections into the medial prefrontal cortex of substance P at doses of 10 and 20 micrograms produced a decrease of self-stimulation of the ipsilateral side, but self-stimulation of the contralateral cortex, used as a control, was not affected. On the contrary, cholecystokinin in both intracerebroventricular administration at doses of 100, 200 and 400 ng, or intracortical microinjections into the medial prefrontal cortex at doses of 200, 400 and 800 ng, had no effect on self-stimulation of this cortical area. These results suggest that substance P, but not cholecystokinin, could be part of the neurochemical substrate underlying self-stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex in the rat.     

Biomarkers of exposure in fish inhabiting the Swan–Canning Estuary, Western Australia – a preliminary study

The estuarine portion of the Swan–Canning riversystem runs through the centre of Perth,Western Australia's capital city, with apopulation of approximately 1.4 million people. Little is known about impact of chemicalsentering the estuary via road runoff andstormwater drains on biota inhabiting thesystem. Black bream (Acanthopagrusbutcheri) were collected from seven sites inthe Swan–Canning estuary during August andSeptember 2000, at the end of the winter (wet)season. Serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (s-SDH)was unaffected by the sex of the fish and nosignificant differences were observed betweenthe sites indicating that the measuredethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD)activity was not hindered by hepatic tissuedamage. The black bream were in an advancedstage of gonad maturation, which affected ERODhepatic activity with lower EROD activity infemale compared to male fish. EROD activityand bile metabolite levels were significantlyhigher at the site closest to the Perth CentralBusiness District, while most downstream sitewas the least impacted, which may be due totidal flushing of the lower estuary by marinewaters. The ratio of naphthalene-type tobenzo(a) pyrene (B(a)P)-typemetabolites suggests that the source ofpetroleum hydrocarbons within the river systemis a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) from pyrolytic origin and from unburntfuels. Biomarker levels in the black breamindicate that major roads and drains aresignificant contributors of mixed functionoxygenase (MFO) inducing chemicals includingpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) into theSwan–Canning estuary and that there is noupstream or downstream gradient in biomarkerresponse.     

Data consistency,yield, maintenance,and hysteresis in batch cultures of Candida lipolytica cultured on n-hexadecane

Candida lipolytica was cultured batchwise using n-hexadecane as the main carbon source. Biomass production, n-hexadecane consumption, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide evolution were measured to follow the fermentation. The consistency of the measured data was examined using integrated and instantaneous available electron and carbon balances. Values of the “true” growth yield, η_max, and maintenance coefficient, m_e were estimated using three different sets of data (biomass and n-hexadecane, oxygen and biomass, and CO₂ and biomass), and the results were compared with estimates obtained from literature data. Hysteresis patterns were observed in plots of specific rates of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide evolution versus specific growth rate.     

Alcohol Consumption in Midlife and Cognitive Performance Assessed 13 Years Later in the SU.VI.MAX 2 Cohort

Background

Associations between alcohol consumption and cognitive function are discordant and data focusing on midlife exposure are scarce.

Objective

To estimate the association between midlife alcohol consumption and cognitive performance assessed 13 y later while accounting for comorbidities and diet.

Methods

3,088 French middle-aged adults included in the SU.VI.MAX (1994) study with available neuropsychological evaluation 13 y later. Data on alcohol consumption were obtained from repeated 24h dietary records collected in 1994–1996. Cognitive performance was assessed in 2007–2009 via a battery of 6 neuropsychological tests. A composite score was built as the mean of the standardized individual test scores (mean = 50, SD = 10). ANCOVA were performed to estimate mean differences in cognitive performance and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In women, abstainers displayed lower cognitive scores than did low-to-moderate alcohol drinkers (1 to 2 drinks/day) (mean difference = −1.77; 95% CI: −3.29, −0.25). In men, heavy drinkers (>3 drinks/day) had higher cognitive scores than did low-to-moderate (1 to 3 drinks/day) (mean difference = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.10, 1.99). However, a lower composite cognitive score was detected in male drinkers consuming ≥90 g/d (≈8 drinks/d). A higher proportion of alcohol intake from beer was also associated with lower cognitive scores. These associations remained significant after adjustment for diet, comorbidities and sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion

In men, heavy but not extreme drinking was associated with higher global cognitive scores. Given the known harmful effects of alcohol even in low doses regarding risk of cancer, the study does not provide a basis for modifying current public health messages.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00272428","term_id":"NCT00272428"}}NCT00272428     

Improved tumor selectivity of radiolabeled peptides by receptor and antigen dual targeting in the neurotensin receptor model

Radiolabeled peptides are emerging tools for diagnosis and therapy of tumors overexpressing receptors. However, binding to receptors expressed by nontumor tissues may cause toxicity. The objective of this study was to specifically enhance the binding affinity of labeled peptides to tumor cells, as opposed to receptor-positive nontumor cells, to ensure targeting selectivity. This was achieved by the simultaneous binding of hapten-bearing peptides to their receptor and to a tumor-associated antigen, mediated by a bispecific antibody directed to the tumor antigen and to the hapten. Binding of labeled neurotensin analogues bearing the DTPA(indium) hapten (NT-DTPA(111In)) to human colorectal carcinoma cells (HT29), which express the neurotensin receptor (NTR1) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), was studied in the presence of a bispecific antibody (BsmAb) directed to CEA and to DTPA(indium). In vitro dual binding of NT-DTPA in the presence of BsmAb was about 6.5-fold higher than monovalent binding to NTR1 and 3.5-fold higher than the sum of the monovalent bindings to NTR1 or to CEA, suggesting cooperativity. Increased binding under bivalent conditions translated into increased internalization. In vivo pretargeting with BsmAb enhanced tumor uptake and tumor retention. Hapten bearing peptides binding simultaneously an overexpressed cell-surface receptor and a tumor antigen show increased selectivity to target tumor cells as compared to cells only expressing the cell surface receptor. Better resistance to enzymatic degradation and optimized administration protocols should further enhance in vivo targeting selectivity and may allow the development of radiopharmaceuticals labeled with isotopes suitable for radiotherapy such as 131I or 90Y.