Time-dependent regulation of muscle caveolin activation and insulin signalling in response to high-fat diet

We studied the effect of high-fat diet on the expression and activation of the three caveolins in rat skeletal muscle and their association with the insulin signalling cascade. Initial response was characterized by increased signalling through Cav-1 and Cav-3 phosphorylation, suggesting that both participate in an initial acute response to the calorie surplus. Afterwards, Cav-1 signalling was slightly reduced, whereas Cav-3 remained active. Late chronic phase signalling through both proteins was impaired inducing a prediabetic state. Summarizing, caveolins seem to mediate a time-dependent regulation of insulin cascade in response to high-fat diet in muscle.     

Circulating adiposity-related microRNAs as predictors of the response to a low-fat diet in subjects with obesity

Recent studies have revealed the critical role of several microRNAs (miRNAs) in energy homeostasis and metabolic processes and suggest that circulating miRNAs can be used as early predictors of weight loss in the design of precision nutrition. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate circulating adiposity-related miRNAs as biomarkers of the response to two specific weight loss dietary treatments. The expression of 86 miRNAs was investigated in plasma of 78 subjects with obesity randomized to two different diets [moderately high-protein diet (n = 38) and low-fat diet (n = 40)] and in 25 eutrophic controls (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m²). Bioinformatic analyses were performed to explore the target genes and biological pathways regulated by the dysregulated miRNAs. As results, 26 miRNAs were found differently expressed in eutrophic and volunteers with obesity. Moreover, 7 miRNAs (miR-130a-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-144-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-22-3p, miR-221-3p and miR-29c-3p) were differentially expressed between responders and non-responders to a low-fat diet. Furthermore, after adjustment for basal glucose levels, 1-SD increase in miR-22-3p expression was associated with reduction in the risk of non-response to low-fat diet [OR = 0.181, 95% CI (0.084-0.947), P = .043]. Bioinformatic analyses evidenced that these 7 miRNAs regulate the expression of genes participating in important metabolic pathways. Conclusively, 7 circulating miRNAs related to adiposity could be used for predicting the response to a low-fat diet intervention prescribed to lose weight.     

Revision of the genus Amadotrogus Reitter, 1902 (n. stat.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)

In this paper, the subgenus Amadotrogus Reitter, 1902 and its taxonomic status as a subordinate taxon of genus Amphimallon are reviewed. Two kinds of character sets are discussed; those relative to the external morphology of the adult and those of the male and female genitalia. Subgenus Amadotrogus is compared with its recognized allied genera in the same clade (Coca-Abia 1995) Amphimallon Berthold, 1827; Geotrogus Guérin, 1842; Monotropus Erichson, 1847; Pseudoapeterogyna Escalera, 1914 and Rhizotrogus Berthold, 1827 to asses the realtionships of these taxa. Phylogenetic analysis discloses that Amadotrogus, considered to be a subgenus of Amphimallon, has synapomorphic characters which justify its elevation to generic rank. Thus, genus Amadotrogus includes seven species distributed across the Northern Mediterranean basin. The type species, Amadotrogus quercanus (Burmeister, 1855), and six others, transferred from genus Rhizotrogus: Amadotrogus grassii (Mainardi, 1902), Amadotrogus insubricus (Burmeister, 1855), Amadotrogus oertzeni (Brenske, 1886), Amadotrogus patru- elis (Reiche, 1862), Amadotrougs truncatus (Brenske, 1886) and Amadotrogus vicinus (Mulsant, 1842) (Coca-Abia & Martín-Piera 1998). In addition, Rhizotrogus rugifrons Burmeister, 1855 is considered a new synonym of Amadotrogus vicinus. Rhizotrogus bolivari Martínez y Sáez, 1873, Amphimallon cata- launicum Báguena, 1956 and Rhizotrogus lajonquierei Baraud, 1970 are synonymized with Amadotrogus patruelis.     

Ascorbyl palmitate interaction with phospholipid monolayers: Electrostatic and rheological preponderancy

Ascorbyl palmitate (ASC₁₆) is an anionic amphiphilic molecule of pharmacological interest due to its antioxidant properties. We found that ASC₁₆ strongly interacted with model membranes. ASC₁₆ penetrated phospholipid monolayers, with a cutoff near the theoretical surface pressure limit. The presence of a lipid film at the interface favored ASC₁₆ insertion compared with a bare air/water surface. The adsorption and penetration time curves showed a biphasic behavior: the first rapid peak evidenced a fast adsorption of charged ASC₁₆ molecules to the interface that promoted a lowering of surface pH, thus partially neutralizing and compacting the film. The second rise represented an approach to the equilibrium between the ASC₁₆ molecules in the subphase and the surface monolayer, whose kinetics depended on the ionization state of the film. Based on the Langmuir dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine + ASC₁₆ monolayer data, we estimated an ASC₁₆ partition coefficient to dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine monolayers of 1.5 × 10⁵ and a ΔG_p = − 6.7 kcal·mol^− 1. The rheological properties of the host membrane were determinant for ASC₁₆ penetration kinetics: a fluid membrane, as provided by cholesterol, disrupted the liquid-condensed ASC₁₆-enriched domains and favored ASC₁₆ penetration. Subphase pH conditions affected ASC₁₆ aggregation in bulk: the smaller structures at acidic pHs showed a faster equilibrium with the surface film than large lamellar ones. Our results revealed that the ASC₁₆ interaction with model membranes has a highly complex regulation. The polymorphism in the ASC₁₆ bulk aggregation added complexity to the equilibrium between the surface and subphase form of ASC₁₆, whose understanding may shed light on the pharmacological function of this drug.     

Exine Sculpture in Pariana Pollen (Gramineae)

Pollen grains of eieven species of Pariana, a small genus of herbaceous bamboos, were studied using LM, SEM and TEM. Ten of them have the Pariana stenolemma-type of pollen characterized by areolate exine due to relatively high and well separated denticulate processes on a slightly undulated tectum, vestigial columellae and no distinct annulus. At the pore edge the foot layer is thickened and folded.

P. campetris (P. campestris-type) shows this exine feature only at magnifications higher than x 2000, whereas the denticulate processes are clearly visible at x 400 magnification in the other ten species. The pores are bordered by a distinct annulus.

The high relief of the Pariana pollen forming a relatively rough surface would offer more friction in wind transport than the smooth surface of other grass pollen grains. Insects visiting the flowers have been observed which support the idea of possible insect pollination. If this would be the case, the parianas would be an example of correlation between pollen form and function in the evolution of the Gramineae.     

Integrated control of Boophilus microplus ticks in Cuba based on vaccination with the anti-tick vaccine Gavac TM

Boophilus microplus has developed resistance against a range of chemical acaricides which has stimulated the development of alternative methods such as vaccination against ticks. In Cuba, the Bm86-based recombinant vaccine Gavac^TM has been successfully used in a number of controlled laboratory and field trials in cattle against B. microplus. In this paper, we have evaluated Gavac^TM in a large scale field trial wherein 588,573 dairy cattle were vaccinated with the aim to reduce the number of acaricidal treatments. It was found that the number of acaricidal treatments could be reduced by 87% over a period of 8 years (1995–2003). Prior to the introduction of the vaccine, 54 clinical cases of babesiosis and six fatal cases were reported per 1000 animals. Six years later, the incidence of babesiosis was reduced to 1.9 cases per 1000 cattle and mortality reduced to 0.18 per 1000. The national consumption of acaricides in Cuba could be reduced by 82% after the implementation of the integrated anti-B. microplus control program.     

Calvatia sporocristata sp. nov. (Gasteromycetes) from Costa Rica

Calvatia sporocristata, Gasteromycetes, is described and illustrated as a new species. Its taxonomic characters are discussed and compared with other closely related species of the genus. Few studies have been carried out on tropical Gasteromycetes. The new species here proposed has, as the main features: exoperidium corky, smooth, one-layered, pseudoparenchymatous; endoperidium thin, papyraceous, dextrinoid; subgleba cellular; capillitium septate, dissociated at the septal site, lycoperdon type, without pores, elastic and spores amigdaloid, 4-6 (-7) x 2.5-4.5 microns with spines aligned, forming crests, 0.8 micron high.     

Plasmid-based genetic modification of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells: analysis of cell survival and transgene expression after transplantation in rat spinal cord

Background

Swine is an important agricultural commodity and biomedical model. Manipulation of the pig genome provides opportunity to improve production efficiency, enhance disease resistance, and add value to swine products. Genetic engineering can also expand the utility of pigs for modeling human disease, developing clinical treatment methodologies, or donating tissues for xenotransplantation. Realizing the full potential of pig genetic engineering requires translation of the complete repertoire of genetic tools currently employed in smaller model organisms to practical use in pigs.

Results

Application of transposon and recombinase technologies for manipulation of the swine genome requires characterization of their activity in pig cells. We tested four transposon systems- Sleeping Beauty, Tol2, piggyBac, and Passport in cultured porcine cells. Transposons increased the efficiency of DNA integration up to 28-fold above background and provided for precise delivery of 1 to 15 transgenes per cell. Both Cre and Flp recombinase were functional in pig cells as measured by their ability to remove a positive-negative selection cassette from 16 independent clones and over 20 independent genomic locations. We also demonstrated a Cre-dependent genetic switch capable of eliminating an intervening positive-negative selection cassette and activating GFP expression from episomal and genome-resident transposons.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated for the first time that transposons and recombinases are capable of mobilizing DNA into and out of the porcine genome in a precise and efficient manner. This study provides the basis for developing transposon and recombinase based tools for genetic engineering of the swine genome.     

Neuroprotective Effect of Riboflavin Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria in Parkinsonian Models

Neurochemical Research - Oxidative stress and inflammatory processes might contribute to the cascade of events leading Parkinson disease (PD); and vitamins such as riboflavin can exert protection...