Characterization of self-assembled redox polymer and antibody molecules on thiolated gold electrodes

Multilayer immobilization of antibody and redox polymer molecules on a gold electrode was achieved, as a strategy for the potential development of an amperometric immunosensor. The step-by-step assembly of antibiotin IgG on Os(bpy)(2)ClPyCH(2)NH poly(allylamine) redox polymer (PAH-Os) adsorbed on thiolated gold electrodes was proved by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments, confirming the electrochemical evidence. The increase of redox charge during the layer-by-layer deposition demonstrated that charge propagation within the layers is feasible. The multilayer structure proved to be effective for the molecular recognition of horseradish peroxidase-biotin conjugate (HRP-biotin), as confirmed by the QCM measurements and the electrocatalytic reduction current obtained upon H(2)O(2) addition. The catalytic current resulting from PAH-Os mediation was shown to increase with the number of assembled layers. Furthermore, the inventory of IgG molecules on the supramolecular self-assembled structure and the specific and non-specific binding of HRP-biotin conjugate were confirmed by the QCM transient studies, giving information on the kinetics of IgG deposition and HRP-biotin conjugate binding to the IgG.     

TheLecanactis grumulosa group (Opegraphaceae) in the Mediterranean region

The morphology, anatomy, and chemistry of five taxa belonging to theLecanactis grumulosa group from several localities of the Mediterranean area have been analysed in detail. One new saxicolous species,L. subgrumulosa, is described from Spain and Morocco. The new combinationL. farinosa is made.L. nothiza, L. monstrosa, L. ramosus, andOpegrapha alboatra are proposed as synonyms ofL. grumulosa. L. werneri andL. farinosa are cited for the first time in Europe and northern Africa, respectively. Anthraquinones are reported as new forLecanactis.     

Evaluation of 100% rapid rescreening of negative cervical smears as a quality assurance measure

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the performance of 100% rapid rescreening, 10% random rescreening and the review of smears selected on the basis of clinical criteria, as a method of internal quality control of cervical smears classified as negative during routine screening. METHODS: A total of 3149 smears were analysed, 173 of which were classified as positive and 2887 as negative, while 89 smears were considered unsatisfactory. The smears classified as negative were submitted to 100% rapid rescreening, 10% random rescreening, and rescreening based on clinical criteria. The rescreening stages were blinded and results were classified according to the Bethesda 2001 terminology. Six cytologists participated in this study, two of whom were responsible for routine screening while the other four alternated in carrying out rescreening so that no individual reviewed the same slide more than once. RESULTS: The 100% rapid rescreening method identified 92 suspect smears, of which 42 were considered positive at final diagnosis. Of the 289 smears submitted to the 10% rescreening method, four were considered abnormal but only one was confirmed positive in the final diagnosis. Of the 690 smears rescreened on the basis of clinical criteria, 10 were considered abnormal and eight received a positive final diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The 100% rapid rescreening method is more efficient at detecting false-negative results than 10% random rescreening or rescreening on the basis of clinical criteria, and is recommended as an internal quality control method.     

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and oxidative stress in cardiovascular insulin resistance

Hypertension commonly occurs in conjunction with insulin resistance and other components of the cardiometabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance plays a significant role in the relationship between hypertension, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. There is accumulating evidence that insulin resistance occurs in cardiovascular and renal tissue as well as in classical metabolic tissues (i.e., skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue). Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and subsequent elevations in angiotensin II and aldosterone, as seen in cardiometabolic syndrome, contribute to altered insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathways and reactive oxygen species formation to induce endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. This review examines currently understood mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to the metabolic actions of insulin in cardiovascular as well as skeletal muscle tissue.     

Diversity and impact of herbivorous insects on Brazilian peppertree in Florida prior to release of exotic biological control agents

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), is a South American plant that is highly invasive in Florida. The impact of insect herbivores on the performance of Brazilian peppertree was evaluated at two locations in Florida using an insecticide exclusion method. Although 38 species of insect herbivores were collected on the invasive tree, there were no differences in growth or reproductive output of insecticide protected and unprotected trees, providing evidence that insect feeding had no measurable impact on tree performance. The majority of insects collected on Brazilian peppertree were generalists, and several were serious agricultural pests.     

Comparative Genomics of Field Isolates of Mycobacterium bovis and M. caprae Provides Evidence for Possible Correlates with Bacterial Viability and Virulence

Mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) greatly affect humans and animals worldwide. The life cycle of mycobacteria is complex and the mechanisms resulting in pathogen infection and survival in host cells are not fully understood. Recently, comparative genomics analyses have provided new insights into the evolution and adaptation of the MTBC to survive inside the host. However, most of this information has been obtained using M. tuberculosis but not other members of the MTBC such as M. bovis and M. caprae. In this study, the genome of three M. bovis (MB1, MB3, MB4) and one M. caprae (MB2) field isolates with different lesion score, prevalence and host distribution phenotypes were sequenced. Genome sequence information was used for whole-genome and protein-targeted comparative genomics analysis with the aim of finding correlates with phenotypic variation with potential implications for tuberculosis (TB) disease risk assessment and control. At the whole-genome level the results of the first comparative genomics study of field isolates of M. bovis including M. caprae showed that as previously reported for M. tuberculosis, sequential chromosomal nucleotide substitutions were the main driver of the M. bovis genome evolution. The phylogenetic analysis provided a strong support for the M. bovis/M. caprae clade, but supported M. caprae as a separate species. The comparison of the MB1 and MB4 isolates revealed differences in genome sequence, including gene families that are important for bacterial infection and transmission, thus highlighting differences with functional implications between isolates otherwise classified with the same spoligotype. Strategic protein-targeted analysis using the ESX or type VII secretion system, proteins linking stress response with lipid metabolism, host T cell epitopes of mycobacteria, antigens and peptidoglycan assembly protein identified new genetic markers and candidate vaccine antigens that warrant further study to develop tools to evaluate risks for TB disease caused by M. bovis/M.caprae and for TB control in humans and animals.     

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor induces neutrophils to secrete macrophage colony-stimulating factor

In this work we provide evidence showing that granulocytes produce macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) from the band cell stage and secrete this factor when induced to differentiate into polymorphonuclear cells by recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). Using an enriched population of myeloid band cells from murine bone marrow, we identified the presence of M-CSF with a chromophore-labelled monoclonal anti-M-CSF antibody. Using ELISA we detected the secretion of M-CSF in the supernatants of cultures of enriched band cells when induced with rhG-CSF to differentiate into mature neutrophils. We also found that M-CSF is the only factor responsible for the colony forming activity in the supernatants and lysates of band cells treated with rhG-CSF.     

Influence of host-plant quality on the performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Episimus unguiculus</Emphasis>, a candidate biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), introduced from South America, invades a variety of habitats in Florida (e.g. disturbed sites, coastal mangrove forests). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of host-plant quality on the performance of Episimus unguiculus Clarke (=E. utilis Zimmerman) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a potential biocontrol agent of Brazilian peppertree. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory using Brazilian peppertrees exposed either to different salinity levels (0, 6, 12 parts per thousand), or to different nutrient levels (low, medium, high). Higher survival (55%) and faster development (32 day) to adulthood was observed on plants grown in fresh-water environments (0 ppt) compared to low (6 ppt) or high-salinity environments (12 ppt). In addition, higher survival (40%), faster development (34 day) and higher fertility (88% eggs hatched) occurred in high-nutrient treatments. Based on these results, field releases should be conducted in favorable habitats (e.g., low salinity, high fertility soils) to maximize the possibility of establishment and population growth of E. unguiculus in Florida. Handling Editor: John Scott.     

Symptoms of Eating Disorders and Depression in Emerging Adults with Early-Onset,Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes and Their Association with Metabolic Control

Background

This study analyzed the prevalence of and association between symptoms of eating disorders and depression in female and male emerging adults with early-onset, long-duration type 1 diabetes and investigated how these symptoms are associated with metabolic control.

Methods

In a nationwide population-based survey, 211 type 1 diabetes patients aged 18-21 years completed standardized questionnaires, including the SCOFF questionnaire for eating disorder symptoms and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for symptoms of depression and severity of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between eating disorder and depressive symptoms and their associations with HbA1c.

Results

A total of 30.2% of the women and 9.5% of the men were screening positive for eating disorders. The mean PHQ-9 score (standard deviation) was 5.3 (4.4) among women and 3.9 (3.6) among men. Screening positive for an eating disorder was associated with more severe depressive symptoms among women (β_women 3.8, p<0.001). However, neither eating disorder symptoms nor severity of depressive symptoms were associated with HbA1c among women, while HbA1c increased with the severity of depressive symptoms among men (β_men 0.14, p=0.006).

Conclusions

Because of the high prevalence of eating disorder and depressive symptoms, their interrelationship, and their associations with metabolic control, particularly among men, regular mental health screening is recommended for young adults with type 1 diabetes.