三种绿叶挥发性物质对云南切梢小蠹寄主定位行为的干扰作用

为了研究环境中非寄主阔叶植物释放出的绿叶挥发性物质（GLVs）对针叶树蛀干害虫云南切梢小蠹Tomicus yunnanesis的影响, 选取了(E)-2-己烯醛、 (E)-2-己烯醇和(Z)-3-己烯醇3种释放量较大的绿叶挥发性物质, 通过室内松梢取食试验测试了单组分及两两混合后对云南切梢小蠹寄主定位行为的干扰作用。结果表明： 源于阔叶植物的3种绿叶挥发性物质及其混合物能够不同程度干扰云南切梢小蠹的寄主定位行为。当虫放入广口瓶12 h后, 3个单组分绿叶挥发性物质处理组［A： (E)-2-己烯醛, P＜0.01; B： (E)-2-己烯醇, P＜0.01; C： (Z)-3-己烯醇, P＜0.01］及2个混合组分［D： (E)-2-己烯醛+(E)-2-己烯醇, P＜0.01）; E： (E)-2-己烯醛+(Z)-3-己烯醇, P＜0.01］中滞留在松梢外部的虫数与对照组相比都有显著性差异, 绿叶挥发性物质的存在显著降低了云南切梢小蠹侵害云南松松梢的概率。但是, 24 h后只有D组（P＜0.01）和E组（P＜0.01）滞留在松梢外部的虫数与对照组相比具有显著性差异, 在48 h后只有D组（P＜0.01）与对照相比仍具有显著性差异。本研究为利用非寄主植物的次生代谢产物防治云南切梢小蠹进行了有益的探索。     

Simultaneous application of cisplatin and static magnetic field enhances oxidative stress in HeLa cell line

In this study, we reported the effects of simultaneous application of static magnetic field (SMF) and cisplatin as an anticancer drug on the oxidative stress in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line and normal skin fibroblast cells (Hu02). The cells were exposed to different SMF intensities (7, 10, and 15 mT) for 24 and 48 h. IC₅₀ concentrations of cisplatin were obtained by MTT assay. The cytotoxic effects of combined treatment were studied by measuring the intracellular reactive oxygen species content using flow cytometric method and estimation of membrane lipid peroxidation by spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was assessed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test. Based on the obtained results, the highest and lowest death rate, respectively, in HeLa and Hu02 cell lines was observed at the intensity of 10 mT. Also, we found that membrane lipid peroxidation in cancer cells is higher than that of normal counterparts. SMF potently sensitized human cervical cancer cells to cisplatin through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation while it had small effects on normal cells. The combination of both treatments for 48 h led to a marked decrease in the viability percentage of HeLa cells by about 89% compared to untreated cells. This study suggests that conjugation of both physical and chemical treatments could increase the oxidative stress in HeLa cell line and among three optional intensities of SMF, the intensity of 10 mT led to the higher damage to cancer cells in lower doses of drug.     

Wolf population genetics in Europe: a systematic review,meta‐analysis and suggestions for conservation and management

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is an iconic large carnivore that has increasingly been recognized as an apex predator with intrinsic value and a keystone species. However, wolves have also long represented a primary source of human–carnivore conflict, which has led to long‐term persecution of wolves, resulting in a significant decrease in their numbers, genetic diversity and gene flow between populations. For more effective protection and management of wolf populations in Europe, robust scientific evidence is crucial. This review serves as an analytical summary of the main findings from wolf population genetic studies in Europe, covering major studies from the ‘pre‐genomic era’ and the first insights of the ‘genomics era’. We analyse, summarize and discuss findings derived from analyses of three compartments of the mammalian genome with different inheritance modes: maternal (mitochondrial DNA), paternal (Y chromosome) and biparental [autosomal microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)]. To describe large‐scale trends and patterns of genetic variation in European wolf populations, we conducted a meta‐analysis based on the results of previous microsatellite studies and also included new data, covering all 19 European countries for which wolf genetic information is available: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Belarus, Russia, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Spain and Portugal. We compared different indices of genetic diversity in wolf populations and found a significant spatial trend in heterozygosity across Europe from south‐west (lowest genetic diversity) to north‐east (highest). The range of spatial autocorrelation calculated on the basis of three characteristics of genetic diversity was 650?850 km, suggesting that the genetic diversity of a given wolf population can be influenced by populations up to 850 km away. As an important outcome of this synthesis, we discuss the most pressing issues threatening wolf populations in Europe, highlight important gaps in current knowledge, suggest solutions to overcome these limitations, and provide recommendations for science‐based wolf conservation and management at regional and Europe‐wide scales.     

An in vitro study of the impact of 4mT static magnetic field to modify the differentiation rate of rat bone marrow stem cells into primordial germ cells

This investigation was performed to evaluate the differentiation capacity and alteration in genes expression patterns during in vitro differentiation of bone marrow stem cells into primordial germ cells using static magnetic field (4 mT) and BMP-4 (25 ng/ml). The rate of differentiation was investigated using the Real Time-PCR method for tracing expression of differentiation markers (Oct-4, Nanog, C-Myc, Fragilis, Mvh and Stella). Then, immunocytochemical reaction was carried out for detection of marker proteins (Oct4 and Mvh). Increasing of the exposure time of the 4 mT SMF (24 and 48 h) and treatment time with 25 ng/ml BMP4 (48 and 96 h) indicated a marked decrease in expression of pluripotency genes (Oct-4, Nanog and C-Myc) and Oct4 protein and increase in primordial germ cell-specific genes (Fragilis, Mvh and Stella) and Mvh protein compared with the control group. Final results showed that in a synergistic manner, the combination of SMF with BMP4 exaggerates the differentiation potential of BMSCs to PGCs by activating the MAPK pathway and altering the Ca²⁺ concentration.     

Modulation of adipocyte differentiation by omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids involves the ubiquitin‐proteasome system

We have evaluated the effects of three different omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3 PUFAs) – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) on fat accumulation and expression of adipogenic and inflammatory markers using both 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes and differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Our results indicate that ω‐3 PUFAs induce the degradation of fatty acid synthase through the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, which is likely to have beneficial metabolic effect on adipose cells. Omega‐3 PUFAs also increase overall levels of polyubiquitinated proteins, at least in part through decreasing the expression of proteasome subunits. Moreover, adipocytes are resistant to proteasome inhibition, which induces adipophilin while decreasing perilipin expression. On the other hand, ω‐3 PUFAs decrease expression of SREBP1 while inducing expression of adipophilin and GLUT4. Moreover, all three ω‐3 PUFAs appear to induce tumour necrosis factor‐α without affecting NFκB levels. All three ω‐3 PUFAs appear to have overall similar effects. Further research is needed to elucidate their mechanism of action.     

Leisure-Time Physical Activity and All-Cause Mortality

Background

Physical inactivity is a major public health problem associated with increased mortality risk. It is, however, poorly understood whether vigorous physical activity is more beneficial for reducing mortality risk than activities of lower intensity. The aim of this study was to examine associations of the intensity and volume of leisure-time physical activity with all-cause mortality among middle-aged women and men while considering sociodemographic and health related factors as covariates.

Methods

Questionnaire survey data collected in 2000-02 among 40–60-year-old employees of the City of Helsinki (N = 8960) were linked with register data on mortality (74% gave permission to the linkage) providing a mean follow-up time of 12-years. The analysis included 6429 respondents (79% women). The participants were classified into three groups according to intensity of physical activity: low moderate, high moderate and vigorous. The volume of physical activity was classified into three groups according to tertiles. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality.

Results

During the follow up 205 participants died. Leisure-time physical activity was associated with reduced risk of mortality. After adjusting for covariates the vigorous group (HR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.86) showed a reduced risk of mortality compared with the low moderate group whereas for the high moderate group the reductions in mortality risk (HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.48–1.08) were less clear. Adjusting for the volume of physical activity did not affect the point estimates. Higher volume of leisure-time physical activity was also associated with reduced mortality risk; however, adjusting for the covariates and the intensity of physical activity explained the differences.

Conclusions

For healthy middle-aged women and men who engage in some physical activity vigorous exercise may provide further health benefits preventing premature deaths.     

Cardiac Repolarization and Autonomic Regulation during Short-Term Cold Exposure in Hypertensive Men: An Experimental Study

Objectives

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of short-term cold exposure, typical in subarctic climate, on cardiac electrical function among untreated middle-aged hypertensive men.

Methods

We conducted a population-based recruitment of 51 hypertensive men and a control group of 32 men without hypertension (age 55–65 years) who underwent whole-body cold exposure (15 min exposure to temperature −10°C, wind 3 m/s, winter clothes). Conduction times and amplitudes, vectorcardiography, arrhythmias, and heart rate variability (autonomic nervous function) were assessed.

Results

Short-term cold exposure increased T-peak to T-end interval from 67 to 72 ms (p<0.001) and 71 to 75 ms (p<0.001) and T-wave amplitude from 0.12 to 0.14 mV (p<0.001) and from 0.17 to 0.21 mV (p<0.001), while QTc interval was shortened from 408 to 398 ms (p<0.001) and from 410 to 401 ms (p<0.001) among hypertensive men and controls, respectively. Cold exposure increased both low (from 390 to 630 ms² (p<0.001) and 380 to 700 ms² (p<0.001), respectively) and high frequency heart rate variability (from 90 to 190 ms² (p<0.001) and 150 to 300 ms² (p<0.001), respectively), while low-to-high frequency-ratio was reduced. In addition, the frequency of ventricular ectopic beats increased slightly during cold exposure. The cold induced changes were similar between untreated hypertensive men and controls.

Conclusions

Short-term cold exposure with moderate facial and mild whole body cooling resulted in prolongation of T-peak to T-end interval and higher T-wave amplitude while QTc interval was shortened. These changes of ventricular repolarization may have resulted from altered cardiac autonomic regulation and were unaffected by untreated hypertension.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02007031","term_id":"NCT02007031"}}NCT02007031     

Household Air Pollution from Solid Fuel Use and Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Empirical Evidence

Background

About 41% of households globally, mainly in developing countries rely on solid fuels for cooking with consequences for fetal growth and development. Previous reviews were limited in scope, assessing only two outcomes (birth weight, stillbirth). With important evidence accumulating, there is a need to improve the previous estimates and assess additional outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the quality and strength of available evidence on household air pollution (HAP) and the whole range of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

PubMed, Ovid Medline, Scopus and CINAHL were searched from their inception to the end of April 2013. All epidemiological study designs were eligible for inclusion in the review. The random-effects model was applied in computing the summary-effect estimates (EE) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of 1505 studies screened, 19 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Household combustion of solid fuels resulted in an 86.43 g (95% CI: 55.49, 117.37) reduction in birth weight, and a 35% (EE = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.48) and 29% (EE = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.41) increased risk of LBW and stillbirth respectively.

Conclusion

Combustion of solid fuels at home increases the risk of a wide range of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Access to clean household energy solutions is the surest way to combat HAP and mitigate their adverse effects.     

Checklist of the Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) of Finland

A list of the 356 species of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) recorded from Finland is presented, which comprises 6 Lestremiinae, 156 Micromyinae, 16 Winnertziinae, 69 Porricondylinae, and 109 Cecidomyiinae. The faunistic knowledge of Finnish Winnertziinae, Porricondylinae and Cecidomyiinae is regarded as particularly poor. Based on species numbers known from other countries in Europe, a conservative estimate is 700–800 species of Cecidomyiidae actually occurring in Finland.     

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of Lp-PLA2 reduces LDL degradation and foam cell formation in vitro

Oxidation of LDL generates biologically active platelet-activating factor (PAF)-like phospholipid derivatives, which have potent proinflammatory activity. These products are inactivated by lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing PAF-like phospholipids. In this study, we generated an adenovirus (Ad) encoding human Lp-PLA2 and injected 10(8), 10(9), and 10(10) plaque-forming unit doses of Adlp-PLA2 and control AdlacZ intra-arterially into rabbits to achieve overexpression of Lp-PLA2 in liver and in vivo production of Lp-PLA2-enriched LDL. As a result, LDL particles with 3-fold increased Lp-PLA2 activity were produced with the highest virus dose. Increased Lp-PLA2 activity in LDL particles decreased the degradation rate in RAW 264 macrophages after standard in vitro oxidation to 60-80% compared with LDL isolated from LacZ-transduced control rabbits. The decrease was proportional to the virus dose and Lp-PLA2 activity. Lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in RAW 264 macrophages were also decreased when incubated with oxidized LDL containing the highest Lp-PLA2 activity. Inhibition of the Lp-PLA2 activity in the LDL particles led to an increase in lipid accumulation and foam cell formation. It is concluded that increased Lp-PLA2 activity in LDL attenuates foam cell formation and decreases LDL oxidation and subsequent degradation in macrophages.