Histomorphology of the early yolk-sac larvae of the Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.)—an indication of the timing of functionality

Halibut larvae hatch at a very immature stage, and the duration of the yolk-sac period is very long (up to 50 days). This paper describes the histomorphological development of organs of the yolk-sac larvae (6° C) by use of light and electron microscopy. Rudimentary branchial cavities were open from 2 days after hatching. Kidneys seemed functional 16 days after hatching and onwards, and primitive lamellae on the gill arches were beginning to form at this age. Pancreatic zymogen granules were first observed 20daysafter hatching. The liver was segmented into lobes between 20 and 23 days after hatching, and the gall bladder seemed functional from day 23. The hindgut became extensively folded from day 26, and branchial capillaries were first observed at this stage. The larvae were able to catch food particles 24 days after hatching. Judging from ultrastructural observations, it seemed that halibut larvae were able to digest food particles between day 24 and 26 after hatching (around 150 daydegrees and 50% yolk absorption).     

Sodium sulphate reactivates a protein A minidomain with a short elastin beta-turn

Elastin polymer sequences derived from muscle exhibit temperature and salt-induced reversible contractions and expansions. A folded and contracted beta-turn helical elastin structure is stabilised by increased intramolecular hydrophobic interactions. We have generated a switchable binding protein by inserting a typical elastin turn sequence, GVPGVG, between the two IgG-binding helices of an engineered globular minidomain from Protein A. This mutant showed increased binding of IgG-molecules compared to the wild-type sequence in the presence of sodium sulphate, as measured by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Analysis by circular dichroism revealed a salt-induced folding of the mutant minidomain to a native type I beta-turn, likely stabilised as a result of the two interacting dehydrated valines across the beta-turn. Since sodium sulphate can be successfully used to regulate the folding/unfolding or binding/dissociation of this minidomain, this suggests an alternative protein purification method.     

Fully Human Antagonistic Antibodies against CCR4 Potently Inhibit Cell Signaling and Chemotaxis

Background

CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) represents a potentially important target for cancer immunotherapy due to its expression on tumor infiltrating immune cells including regulatory T cells (T_regs) and on tumor cells in several cancer types and its role in metastasis.

Methodology

Using phage display, human antibody library, affinity maturation and a cell-based antibody selection strategy, the antibody variants against human CCR4 were generated. These antibodies effectively competed with ligand binding, were able to block ligand-induced signaling and cell migration, and demonstrated efficient killing of CCR4-positive tumor cells via ADCC and phagocytosis. In a mouse model of human T-cell lymphoma, significant survival benefit was demonstrated for animals treated with the newly selected anti-CCR4 antibodies.

Significance

For the first time, successful generation of anti- G-protein coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR) antibodies using human non-immune library and phage display on GPCR-expressing cells was demonstrated. The generated anti-CCR4 antibodies possess a dual mode of action (inhibition of ligand-induced signaling and antibody-directed tumor cell killing). The data demonstrate that the anti-tumor activity in vivo is mediated, at least in part, through Fc-receptor dependent effector mechanisms, such as ADCC and phagocytosis. Anti-CC chemokine receptor 4 antibodies inhibiting receptor signaling have potential as immunomodulatory antibodies for cancer.     

Identification and expression analysis of microRNAs and targets in the biofuel crop sugarcane

Background  

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs, some of which are conserved in diverse plant genomes. Therefore, computational identification and further experimental validation of miRNAs from non-model organisms is both feasible and instrumental for addressing miRNA-based gene regulation and evolution. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important biofuel crop with publicly available expressed sequence tag and genomic survey sequence databases, but little is known about miRNAs and their targets in this highly polyploid species.     

Health effects in fish from the polluted Orlando Dam and Klipspruit wetland system,Soweto, South Africa

Pollution of aquatic ecosystems often results in adverse environmental disturbances, including physiological and/ or histomorphological changes in fish. The health of Clarias gariepinus sampled from two polluted water bodies, Orlando Dam and a pond in the Klipspruit wetland catchment, Soweto, was investigated in 2015–2016. Limited fish health-related data is available for this highly impacted freshwater ecosystem. Fish were collected between April 2015 and February 2016. A necropsy and a histological assessment were done on various target organs of each fish. Water and sediment samples were analysed for selected organic and inorganic compounds. Macroscopic assessment revealed abnormally shaped urogenital papillae, morphological alterations of the gonads, as well as discoloration of liver tissue. These observations were supported by microscopic evidence of hepatic histological alterations in fish from Orlando Dam, as well as the presence of both female and male gonadal tissue (intersex) in 13.6% and 50% of fish from the wetland pond and the Orlando Dam, respectively. Water analyses showed high levels of faecal coliform bacteria and metal concentrations and sediment analyses showed detectable levels of potential endocrine disrupting chemicals.     

A farm-level study of risk factors associated with the colonization of broiler flocks with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter</Emphasis> spp. in Iceland, 2001 – 2004

Background  

Following increased rates of human campylobacteriosis in the late 1990's, and their apparent association with increased consumption of fresh chicken meat, a longitudinal study was conducted in Iceland to identify the means to decrease the frequency of broiler flock colonization with Campylobacter. Our objective in this study was to identify risk factors for flock colonization acting at the broiler farm level.     

Frequency and clinical patterns of stroke in Iran - Systematic and critical review

Background  

Cerebrovascular disease is the second commonest cause of death, and over a third of stroke deaths occur in developing countries. To fulfil the current gap on data, this systematic review is focused on the frequency of stroke, risk factors, stroke types and mortality in Iran.