Autism‐related behaviors in the cyclooxygenase‐2‐deficient mouse model

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an endogenous lipid molecule involved in normal brain development. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2) is the main regulator of PGE2 synthesis. Emerging clinical and molecular research provides compelling evidence that abnormal COX2/PGE2 signaling is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously found that COX2 knockout mice had dysregulated expression of many ASD genes belonging to important biological pathways for neurodevelopment. The present study is the first to show the connection between irregular COX2/PGE2 signaling and autism‐related behaviors in male and female COX2‐deficient knockin, (COX)‐2^?, mice at young (4‐6 weeks) or adult (8‐11 weeks) ages. Autism‐related behaviors were prominent in male (COX)‐2^? mice for most behavioral tests. In the open field test, (COX)‐2^? mice traveled more than controls and adult male (COX)‐2^? mice spent less time in the center indicating elevated hyperactive and anxiety‐linked behaviors. (COX)‐2^? mice also buried more marbles, with males burying more than females, suggesting increased anxiety and repetitive behaviors. Young male (COX)‐2^? mice fell more frequently in the inverted screen test revealing motor deficits. The three‐chamber sociability test found that adult female (COX)‐2^? mice spent less time in the novel mouse chamber indicative of social abnormalities. In addition, male (COX)‐2^? mice showed altered expression of several autism‐linked genes: Wnt2, Glo1, Grm5 and Mmp9. Overall, our findings offer new insight into the involvement of disrupted COX2/PGE2 signaling in ASD pathology with age‐related differences and greater impact on males. We propose that (COX)‐2^? mice might serve as a novel model system to study specific types of autism.     

How do Different Types of Emulsifiers/Stabilizers Affect the In Vitro Intestinal Digestion of O/W Emulsions?

This study analyzes the influence of different types of molecules (tween, lecithin, xanthan gum, and methylcellulose) on the physical properties (flow behavior and particle size) and microstructure of oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions before and during in vitro intestinal digestion. The release of free fatty acids during a simulated intestinal stage has also been examined. The results show that various o/w emulsions present different rates and extents of lipolysis and that these differences are not primarily due to their rheological properties nor to the droplet size/surface area available for the action of lipase. Rather, the observed differences in the kinetics of lipolysis are most likely attributable to the nature and location of each type of molecule in their respective o/w emulsions as well as to their interactions with intestinal components. These results shed light on the mechanisms by which the interfacial layer controls lipid digestion, paving the way for a practical application of some of these emulsions in the production of foods used for regulating dietary lipid digestion in order to prevent and treat obesity and related disorders.

     

One year of exercise training promotes distinct adaptations in right and left ventricle of female Sprague-Dawley rats

Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry - Aerobic exercise training induces a unique cardioprotective phenotype, but it is becoming clear that it does not promote the same structural, functional,...     

Revision of Sigaloeista Shea & Griffiths, 2010 (Helicarionidae: Gastropoda: Stylommatophora) from eastern Australia

ABSTRACT

Sigaloeista Shea & Griffiths, 2010 is a genus of small, litter-dwelling helicarionid snails that occurs in the rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest of northeastern New South Wales and southern Queensland. This group currently comprises three species known only from their shell morphology. We revise the taxonomy of this group using a comparison of key morphological features and mitochondrial genes COI and 16S, and describe four new species: Sigaloeista gracilis n. sp.; S. cavanbah n. sp.; S. dorrigo n. sp.; and S. ramula n. sp. Sigaloeista is unified by shared morphological characters including a small, glossy, discoidal shell of about 4.5 whorls, a body with a pronounced caudal horn and large, leaf-shaped shell lappets, and a reproductive system with a short vagina, absent epiphallic caecum, flagellum with internal cryptae and spermatophore with accessory spines.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5D5D7603-06B2-4662-91BB-343E3BB5C4E8     

Efecto inhibitorio del dietilestilbestrol sobre aislamientos clínicos de Candida albicans sensibles y resistentes a los azoles

BackgroundCandida albicans is a microorganism frequently involved in several infections; the patient's oral cavity, caries niches or periodontal disease can sometimes be the reservoir.. The fungal resistance to the available treatments, among other reasons, has led to the search for new antifungal alternatives.AimsTo carry out a comparative study of the in vitro effects of diethylstilboestrol (DES) and fluconazole (FLZ) on the growth of clinical strains of C. albicans.MethodsSeven strains of C. albicans were used: a) one FLZ-sensitive culture collection strain, ATCC 90028 (ATCC); b) four oral isolates from four oncological patients with periodontal disease (period 8, 9, 10, and 11); and c) two oral isolates from an AIDS patient with oropharyngeal candidiasis: one FLZ- sensitive (2-76), and another FLZ- resistant (12-99). The MIC was evaluated by standard spectrophotometric techniques using the CLSI (M27-A3) guidelines. The inhibitory concentration 50% (IC₅₀) was calculated using functional analysis with the Graph Pad software.ResultsDES inhibited the growth of all C. albicans strains, whether sensitive or resistant to FLZ. Experimental data fitted non-linear functions of inhibitor concentration versus response. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for DES and FLZ were as follows: 28.18 µg/ml and 4.90 µg/ml (ATCC); 17.16 µg/ml and 3.14 µg/ml (period); 27.64 µg/ml and 4.22 µg/ml (2-76); 6.16 µg/ml and 438.19 µg/ml (12-99), respectively.ConclusionsDES showed antifungal activity on all clinical C. albicans strains isolated from patients with dental and medical diseases. It showed the highest potency on the FLZ-resistant isolate.