Effects of coypu (Myocastor coypus) abundances and diet selection on a wetland of the Patagonian steppe

We assessed diet selection, impact on vegetation, and explored habitat relationships with marsh birds of coypus (Myocastor coypus) in a steppe lagoon in Argentinean Patagonia. In two consecutive springs, abundance and spatial use of the coypus and nesting marsh birds were estimated by direct counts. The coypu was a selective consumer with seasonal variations in food items, and Myriophyllum sp. and Schoenoplectus californicus dominated its diet. Coypus and marsh birds showed a differential spatial use when rushes cover was high. However, when rushes cover decreased by coypu browsing, there was a similar use of space, and marsh birds were displaced to nest on the open water and other poorly protected areas of the rushes. Our results suggest that high abundances of coypu can have a detrimental effect on wetland ecosystems. Systematic monitoring and evaluation of their effects on wetlands in recently colonized areas is recommended.     

Interaction between clonal plasma cells and the immune system in plasma cell dyscrasias

The term "monoclonal gammopathy" (MG) includes a group of clonal plasma cell disorders, which show heterogeneous clinical behavior. While multiple myeloma (MM) and plasma cell leukemia (PCL) are incurable malignant diseases, most patients with MG of undetermined significance (MGUS) show an indolent/benign clinical course. Evidence has accumulated which supports the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in MG. Accordingly, the survival, drug-resistance and proliferation of MM cells have been shown to be largely dependent on a supportive microenvironment. Among the different environment-associated parameters, those related to the status/activity of the immune system are particularly relevant. This review focuses on the different ways clonal plasma cells (PC) interact with the immune system in different models of MG, to characterize crucial events in the development and progression of MG. These advances may support the design of novel therapeutic approaches in patients with MG.     

Assessment of cardiovascular fibrosis using novel fluorescent probes

Cardiovascular fibrosis resulted from pressure overload or ischemia could alter myocardial stiffness and lead to ventricular dysfunction. Fluorescently labeled collagen-binding protein CNA 35, derived from the surface component of Staphylococcus aureus, and a novel synthetic biphenylalanine containing peptide are applied to stain fibrosis associated collagen and myocytes, respectively. Detailed pathological characteristics of cardiovascular fibrosis could be identified clearly in 2 hours. This staining pair requires only simple staining and brief washing, generating less than 10 ml of waste. The image information collected by this novel fluorescent staining pair is compatible with it collected by the traditional Masson's Trichrome and Picrosirius Red staining which are widely used to stain cardiovascular fibrosis and isolated cells.     

Standardised measures of needs,stigma and informal care in schizophrenia using a bottom-up,cross-cultural approach

Background There is a lack of instruments to measure the needs, stigma and informal care of people with schizophrenia that take account of sociocultural variation and patients'' and formal and informal carers'' opinions and experiences.Aims To develop questionnaires to measure stigma, needs and informal (non-professional) care for people with schizophrenia.Method We undertook the study in seven countries and in English, Spanish and Portuguese. We first held focus group discussions with patients, formal carers (professionals) and informal carers (family and friends) in Spain, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Venezuela to elicit the main dimensions of needs, stigma and informal care. We then held nominal group discussions about these dimensions with patients, family members and professionals in Spain, Portugal and the UK, to develop the instruments.Results Three hundred and three people participated in 46 focus groups and results were discussed in three nominal groups, each involving eight participants. Three instruments were developed in this iterative process: needs for care (46 items), stigma (38 items) and informal care (20 items).Conclusions These instruments are based on service users'' and carers'' views and experiences and have cross-cultural validity. They will have application in assessment of outcomes for people with schizophrenia and their families.     

Space use of a non-native species,the European hare (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepus europaeus</Emphasis>), in habitats of the southern vizcacha (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lagidium viscacia</Emphasis>) in Northwestern Patagonia,Argentina

Two medium-sized herbivores with high trophic overlap coexist on rocky outcrops in the Patagonian landscape: the southern vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia), which is a native rock specialist, and the European hare (Lepus europaeus), which is a non-native species. We determined the patterns of space use related to distance from outcrops and analyzed spatial overlap between the two species. There were significant differences between the two species in the use of space adjacent to outcrops. The southern vizcacha mainly uses short and medium distances from the outcrop (up to 40 m), whereas the hare’s greatest activity was recorded at distances greater than 50 m. However, there is a partial overlap at medium distances (30–40 m) among both herbivores. Although, in general terms, there is no significant spatial overlap between hares and southern vizcachas, their biological characteristics and the high dietary overlap between the species allow us to predict that, if resources become scarce, the hare could extend its area of activity, as what happens elsewhere, and exploit food resources near outcrops, increasing the vulnerability of vizcacha colonies.     

A molecular characterization of the charismatic Faroe house mouse

Faroe house mice are a ‘classic’ system of rapid and dramatic morphological divergence highlighted by J. S. Huxley during the development of the Modern Synthesis. In the present study, we characterize these charismatic mice using modern molecular techniques, examining specimens from all Faroe islands occupied by mice. The aims were to classify the mice within the modern house mouse taxonomy (i.e. as either Mus musculus domesticus or Mus musculus musculus) using four molecular markers and a morphological feature, and to examine the genetic diversity and possible routes of colonization using mitochondrial (mt) control region DNA sequences and microsatellite data (15 loci). Mice on the most remote islands were characterized as M. m. domesticus and exhibited exceptionally low genetic diversity, whereas those on better connected islands were more genetically diverse and had both M. m. musculus and M. m. domesticus genetic elements, including one population which was morphologically M. m. musculus‐like. The mtDNA data indicate that the majority of the mice had their origins in south‐western Norway (or possibly southern Denmark/northern Germany), and probably arrived with the Vikings, earlier than suggested by Huxley. The M. m. musculus genetic component appears to derive from recent mouse immigration from Denmark. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 102 , 471–482.     

Identification of structural DNA variations in human cell cultures after long-term passage

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was adapted for genomic identification of cell cultures and evaluation of DNA stability in cells of different origin at different culture passages. DNA stability was observed in cultures after no more than 5 passages. Adipose-derived stromal cells demonstrated increased DNA instability. RAPD fragments from different cell lines after different number of passages were cloned and sequenced. The chromosomal localization of these fragments was identified and single-nucleotide variations in RAPD fragments isolated from cell lines after 8–12 passages were revealed. Some of them had permanent localization, while most variations demonstrated random distribution and can be considered as de novo mutations.     

Foraging behavior and spatial use of a rock specialist: the southern vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia), and the exotic European hare (Lepus europaeus) in rocky outcrops of northwestern Patagonia, Argentina

The southern vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia) and the exotic European hare (Lepus europaeus) are two medium-sized herbivores that inhabit rocky outcrops in Patagonian steppe. These species overlap in diet and spatial use at medium distances from rocky outcrops in summer. We evaluated the spatial use through feces distribution in winter and determined seasonal foraging intensity in relation to the distances from rocky outcrops in order to elucidate how these herbivores use food and spatial resources in food scarcity periods. The vizcacha utilized the habitat close to rocky outcrops (<40 m) independent of season, while the hare exploited the space more widely, especially distances >40 m. However, in winter, at medium distances from rocky outcrops, there was partial spatial overlap because hares' activities were closer to rocky outcrops. Foraging intensity increased significantly in areas used by the vizcacha closer to rocky outcrops when food availability decreased, and the grasses Stipa speciosa, Poa sp., and Festuca pallescens were strongly foraged. In contrast, foraging intensity showed no changes in further distances to rocky outcrops and more use by the hare. The spatial and feeding behavior of the vizcacha, restricted to vicinity of rocky outcrops, showed high vulnerability to food availability changes. In resource scarcity situations, the spatial opportunistic behavior of the hare and the overlap in diet with the vizcacha constitutes a threat to this native herbivore. It is necessary to monitor populations of hare, since high densities could lead to food competition, impacting the small colonies of the southern vizcacha.     

The Distribution of Some Hydrolytic Enzymes in the Wheat Seed

A histochemical study of dry and germinated wheat embryos andseeds has been made to identify the sites of activity of 3'-and 5'-nucleotidases, phosphatases, lipase, and esterase. Theenzymes all showed the same distribution, with the coleorhizaas the most prominent site of activity in the dry embryo, especiallywhen compared with the adjacent roots with very low activity.Investigations of the whole seed after 24 h germination showeda very high activity in the aleurone cells and high activitiesin the scutellum and coleorhiza. The epithelium and provasculartissues of the scutellum showed moderate to low activity whilethe endosperm had little or none. Hydrolase activity also wasfound in the testa. The function of the coleorhiza. as firstfood reserve for the roots and its location at the most importantsite of water entry, is discussed.