Unique ability of activated CD4+ T cells but not rested effectors to migrate to non-lymphoid sites in the absence of inflammation

Recent studies suggest that effector T cells generated by immune responses migrate to multiple non-lymphoid sites, even those without apparent expression of antigen or inflammation. To investigate the ability of distinct CD4(+) T lymphocyte subsets to enter and persist in non-lymphoid, noninflamed compartments, we examined the migration and persistence of na?ve, effector, and rested effector CD4(+) T cells generated in vitro following transfer to nonimmunized adoptive hosts. Th1 and Th2 effectors migrated to both lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs (peritoneum, fat pads, and lung). In contrast, rested effectors and na?ve cells migrated only to lymphoid areas. Adhesion molecule expression, but not chemokine receptor expression, correlated with the ability to enter non-lymphoid sites. Donor cells persisted longer in lymphoid than in non-lymphoid sites. When hosts with na?ve and memory donor cells were challenged with antigen, effectors developed in situ, which also migrated to non-lymphoid sites. Memory cells showed an accelerated shift to non-lymphoid migration, in keeping with memory effector formation. These results suggest that only recently activated effector T cells can disperse to non-lymphoid sites in the absence of antigen and inflammation, and as effectors return to rest, they lose this ability. These data also argue that memory cells in lymphoid sites are longer lived and not in equilibrium with those in non-lymphoid sites.     

Cytokine profile of human adipose-derived stem cells: expression of angiogenic, hematopoietic, and pro-inflammatory factors

Adipose tissue serves as a source of adipokines and cytokines with both local and systemic actions in health and disease. In this study, we examine the hypothesis that multipotent human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), capable of differentiating along the adipocyte, chondrocyte, and osteoblast pathways, contribute to adipose tissue-derived cytokine secretion. Following exposure to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF), the ASCs significantly increase their secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a cytokine implicated in hematopoiesis, vasculogenesis, and mammary epithelial duct formation. Ascorbic acid synergizes with these inductive factors, further increasing HGF levels. Following exposure to lipopolysaccharide, ASCs increase their secretion of both hematopoietic (granulocyte/monocyte, granulocyte, and macrophage colony stimulating factors, interleukin 7) and proinflammatory (interleukins 6, 8, and 11, tumor necrosis factor alpha) cytokines based on ELISA and RT-PCR. In co-cultures established with umbilical cord blood-derived CD34(+) cells, the ASCs support long-term hematopoiesis in vitro. Furthermore, in short-term 12-day co-cultures, the ASC maintain and expand the numbers of both myeloid and lymphoid progenitors. These observations are consistent with the functionality of the secreted cytokines and confirm recent reports by other laboratories concerning the hematopoietic supportive capability of ASCs. We conclude that the ASCs display cytokine secretory properties similar to those reported for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).     

Placing Well-Being: A Maori Case Study of Cultural and Environmental Specificity

Studies of well-being have been dominated by perspectives that stem from Western, health-science notions of individual’s health and psychological development. In recent times, however, there has been a developing sensitivity to the cultural and place-specific contexts affecting the health and well-being of contrasting populations in different environments. Drawing on these advances, this article explores the potential in conceptualizing a place-based notion of well-being that recognizes the cultural and environmental specificity of well-being for specific populations in a given setting. We argue that a geographical approach to well-being enables the linking of culture and environment for future indigenous research into both ecosystems and human health. Taking the case of an indigenous population, we identify the contexts that affect Maori well-being and we argue that key sociocultural and environmental dimensions need to be integrated for a culturally appropriate approach to Maori well-being.     

Gametogenesis and reproductive periodicity of the “biologically vulnerable” giant Caribbean sea anemone,Condylactis gigantea,in Florida

The giant Caribbean sea anemone, Condylactis gigantea, is an ecologically important member of the benthic community. It provides habitat for many species, including symbiotic cleaner shrimps, and is recognized by reef fishes as a cleaning station cue. Numbers of C. gigantea in Florida have recently declined, possibly due to deteriorating environmental conditions and increasing harvest pressure. A previous research finding indicating that C. gigantea spawns in the late spring has been questioned by fishers for the aquarium trade industry. We therefore examined specimens of C. gigantea collected monthly from October 2011 to September 2012 in the Florida Keys to characterize the reproductive cycle, also measuring several physical and chemical parameters of concurrently collected water samples. We ascertained that the anemone is gonochoric and has a 1:1 sex ratio. Within and between individuals, at the same time and place, spermatogenesis was synchronous, whereas oocyte development was asynchronous. Low‐level spawning occurred between October and April with a peak in May, in good agreement with earlier research. Water quality at both sites showed no discernible change over the study period. Conservation efforts directed at population management could benefit this anemone.     

Distribution of the introduced amphipod, Caprella mutica Schurin, 1935 (Amphipoda: Caprellida: Caprellidae) on the west coast of Scotland and a review of its global distribution

Caprella mutica Schurin, 1935 was first described from sub-boreal areas of north–east Asia. In less than 40 years C. mutica has spread throughout the northern hemisphere and the first recorded sighting in the southern hemisphere is reported here. Caprella mutica has been introduced to temperate oceanic coasts between latitudes of 25 and 70 °N. Outside its native range, C. mutica has only been found in areas of human activity, including ports, aquaculture facilities and an oilrig; the species has not yet been found in natural habitats. Shipping and aquaculture transfers are the most likely long distance vectors; recreational boating and drifting weed are the most likely short distance vectors. Temperature and salinity do not explain the small-scale distribution of C. mutica on the west coast of Scotland; globally its annual temperature range is 0–22°C. This suggests that the local scale distribution of C. mutica is potentially limited by the availability of suitable transportation vectors during the dispersal phase rather than by physical environmental factors following release.     

C2H2 zinc finger-SET histone methyltransferase is a plant-specific chromatin modifier

Histone modification represents a universal mechanism for regulation of eukaryotic gene expression underlying diverse biological processes from neuronal gene expression in mammals to control of flowering in plants. In animal cells, these chromatin modifications are effected by well-defined multiprotein complexes containing specific histone-modifying activities. In plants, information about the composition of such co-repressor complexes is just beginning to emerge. Here, we report that two Arabidopsis thaliana factors, a SWIRM domain polyamine oxidase protein, AtSWP1, and a plant-specific C2H2 zinc finger-SET domain protein, AtCZS, interact with each other in plant cells and repress expression of a negative regulator of flowering, FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) via an autonomous, vernalization-independent pathway. Loss-of-function of either AtSWP1 or AtCZS results in reduced dimethylation of lysine 9 and lysine 27 of histone H3 and hyperacetylation of histone H4 within the FLC locus, in elevated FLC mRNA levels, and in moderately delayed flowering. Thus, AtSWP1 and AtCZS represent two main components of a co-repressor complex that fine tunes flowering and is unique to plants.     

Retroperitoneal extramedullary anaplastic plasmacytoma masquerading as sarcoma: Report of a case with an unusual presentation and imprint smears

BACKGROUND: Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the retroperitoneum is rare. Furthermore, plasmacytoma with anaplastic features can be confused with high grade sarcoma clinically and histologically, particularly when the initial immunohistochemical tumor markers are negative. However, paying attention to cytologic imprint smears can give valuable clues to the correct diagnosis. CASE: A 73-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a recent history of back pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a large retroperitoneal mass (6.8 x 5.1 cm). The initial pathologic evaluation revealed a high grade pleomorphic neoplasm that failed to express multiple epithelial, mesenchymal, lymphoid and melanoma immunohistochemical markers. Subsequent fresh tissue evaluation with touch imprints and immunophenotypic characterization confirmed the plasma cell origin of the tumor. Thorough retrospective review of the touch imprint smears clearly showed the plasmacytic cytologic features. Features of multiple myeloma were essentially absent. CONCLUSION: Performing cytologic imprint smears on fresh tissue material may help in making the correct diagnosis and is highly recommended.