The NLRP3 inflammasome instigates obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance

The emergence of chronic inflammation during obesity in the absence of overt infection or well-defined autoimmune processes is a puzzling phenomenon. The Nod-like receptor (NLR) family of innate immune cell sensors, such as the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (Nlrp3, but also known as Nalp3 or cryopyrin) inflammasome are implicated in recognizing certain nonmicrobial originated 'danger signals' leading to caspase-1 activation and subsequent interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 secretion. We show that calorie restriction and exercise-mediated weight loss in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes is associated with a reduction in adipose tissue expression of Nlrp3 as well as with decreased inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity. We further found that the Nlrp3 inflammasome senses lipotoxicity-associated increases in intracellular ceramide to induce caspase-1 cleavage in macrophages and adipose tissue. Ablation of Nlrp3 in mice prevents obesity-induced inflammasome activation in fat depots and liver as well as enhances insulin signaling. Furthermore, elimination of Nlrp3 in obese mice reduces IL-18 and adipose tissue interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression, increases naive T cell numbers and reduces effector T cell numbers in adipose tissue. Collectively, these data establish that the Nlrp3 inflammasome senses obesity-associated danger signals and contributes to obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance.     

Marine Litter Distribution and Density in European Seas,from the Shelves to Deep Basins

Anthropogenic litter is present in all marine habitats, from beaches to the most remote points in the oceans. On the seafloor, marine litter, particularly plastic, can accumulate in high densities with deleterious consequences for its inhabitants. Yet, because of the high cost involved with sampling the seafloor, no large-scale assessment of distribution patterns was available to date. Here, we present data on litter distribution and density collected during 588 video and trawl surveys across 32 sites in European waters. We found litter to be present in the deepest areas and at locations as remote from land as the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone across the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The highest litter density occurs in submarine canyons, whilst the lowest density can be found on continental shelves and on ocean ridges. Plastic was the most prevalent litter item found on the seafloor. Litter from fishing activities (derelict fishing lines and nets) was particularly common on seamounts, banks, mounds and ocean ridges. Our results highlight the extent of the problem and the need for action to prevent increasing accumulation of litter in marine environments.     

A simple procedure for polymerase chain reaction of the PSBA gene in algae: application to the screening of mutations conferring atrazine resistance and discrimination of natural populations of Porphyra linearis

A simplified procedure is described for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a partial sequence (bp 601–893) of the plastid gene psbA in the rhodophyte Porphyra linearis and the diatoms Haslea ostreria and Skeletonema costatum. This procedure involves the use of all tissues of P. linearis and live cell suspensions of H. ostreria or S. costatum as DNA templates, without any further purification of DNA. As in the case of PCR with DNA extracts, a single major band of the expected size (292 bp) was obtained after PCR for the three species. Sequences of the amplified fragments were aligned, confirming that the amplified products were part of the psbA gene. The method was then used to screen mutations in partial psbA genes of 23 samples of P. linearis collected at four different stations along the mid-Atlantic coast of France. An alignment was obtained indicating the existence of mutations, though not in codons known for herbicide resistance. All mutations found were silent. However, genetic polymorphism discriminated between samples collected from two stations. The method employed allows rapid amplification of the herbicide target gene and simplifies the procedure for screening mutations or populations in algae. Its application to other genes and species is considered.     

Hormonally regulated programmed cell death in barley aleurone cells

Cell death was studied in barley (cv Himalaya) aleurone cells treated with abscisic acid and gibberellin. Aleurone protoplasts incubated in abscisic acid remained viable in culture for at least 3 weeks, but exposure to gibberellin initiated a series of events that resulted in death. Between 4 and 8 days after incubation in gibberellin, >70% of all protoplasts died. Death, which occurred after cells became highly vacuolated, was manifest by an abrupt loss of plasma membrane integrity followed by rapid shrinkage of the cell corpse. Hydrolysis of DNA began before death and occurred as protoplasts ceased production of alpha-amylase. DNA degradation did not result in the accumulation of discrete low molecular weight fragments. DNA degradation and cell death were prevented by LY83583, an inhibitor of gibberellin signaling in barley aleurone. We conclude that cell death in aleurone cells is hormonally regulated and is the final step of a developmental program that promotes successful seedling establishment.     

Concentrations and ecological risks of metals in surface sediments of some coastal creeks in the Niger Delta,Nigeria

The concentrations of nine metals were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in surface sediments of three coastal creeks, namely, the Ifie, Egbokodo and Ubeji creeks, in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, from August 2012 to January 2013. The aim of the study was to provide information on the spatial and seasonal distribution patterns, degree of contamination, and ecological risks of metals in these sediments. The mean concentrations of the nine metals in these creek sediments ranged from 0.30 to 3.20?mg kg^?1 Cd; 10.7 to 24.7?mg kg^?1 Pb, 125 to 466?mg kg^?1 Cr; 3.1.10 to 14.9?mg kg^?1 Cu; 4.7 to 14.3?mg kg^?1 Co; 61.1 to 115?mg kg^?1 Ni; 106 to 183?mg kg^?1 Mn; 52.0 to 170?mg kg^?1 Zn and 5 469 to 20 639?mg kg^?1 Fe. In general, the metal concentrations were higher in the dry season than the wet season, except for Cr. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn were above their regulatory control limits in sediment as specified by the Nigerian Regulatory Authority and Cd was identified as the main ecological risk factor. The enrichment factors for the studied metals followed the order: Cd > Cr > Ni > Zn > Pb > Co > Mn > Cu. The average multiple pollution index values indicated that these sediments were severely polluted with significant inputs from Cd, Ni and Cr.     

Genetic islands of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptococcus agalactiae</Emphasis> strains NEM316 and 2603VR and their presence in other Group B Streptococcal strains

Background  

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus; GBS) is a major contributor to obstetric and neonatal bacterial sepsis. Serotype III strains cause the majority of late-onset sepsis and meningitis in babies, and thus appear to have an enhanced invasive capacity compared with the other serotypes that cause disease predominantly in immunocompromised pregnant women. We compared the serotype III and V whole genome sequences, strains NEM316 and 2603VR respectively, in an attempt to identify genetic attributes of strain NEM316 that might explain the propensity of strain NEM316 to cause late-onset disease in babies. Fourteen putative pathogenicity islands were described in the strain NEM316 whole genome sequence. Using PCR- and targeted microarray- strategies, the presence of these islands were assessed in a diverse strain collection including 18 colonizing isolates from healthy pregnant women, and 13 and 8 invasive isolates from infants with early- and late-onset sepsis, respectively.