Variability in host plant resistance of Sorghum to Striga Hermonthica infestation in West Africa

Fourteen elite sorghum lines were evaluated for their resistance to Striga hermonthica at three locations in Nigeria and Mali. Results showed that many of the lines especially MALISOR 84-1, SAMSORG 41, 97-SB-F5DT-64 (Keninkédié) and the check SRN 39 remained resistant to Striga in all locations with low emerged Striga counts, while SAMSORG 14 had the highest Striga infestation in all locations. Considerable variation in reaction to Striga infestation was observed on Séguètana, 97-SB-F5DT-63 (Wasa), 97-SB-F5DT-65, CMDT 38, CMDT 39 and CMDT 45 which were susceptible to Striga at Samaru, Nigeria but were resistant to Striga at both locations in Mali. Based on low Striga resistance and high grain yield, lines MALISOR 84-1, SAMSORG 41, 97-SB-F5DT-64, 97-SB-F5DT-65, CMDT 39 and SAMSORT 14 have been nominated for wider evaluation across more West African countries.     

Ein Weg ohne Rückkehr?

Giving birth (viviparity) evolved several times independently among vertebrates, particularly often among lizards and snakes. Consequently, different physiological and anatomical changes developed such as the placenta in pure vivipar species. Fossil marine reptiles show that a marine environment can trigger the evolution of viviparity. A prerequisite is that a genomic sex determination develops, too. A reversal from viviparity to laying eggs (oviparity) is very difficult both physiologically and anatomically. It is not yet clear, whether this can happen at all.     

Two common nonsynonymous paraoxonase 1 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">PON1</Emphasis>) gene polymorphisms and brain astrocytoma and meningioma

Background  

Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) plays a major role in the metabolism of several organophosphorus compounds. The enzyme is encoded by the polymorphic gene PON1, located on chromosome 7q21.3. Aiming to identify genetic variations related to the risk of developing brain tumors, we investigated the putative association between common nonsynonymous PON1 polymorphisms and the risk of developing astrocytoma and meningioma.     

Long-term effects of graduated compression stockings on cardiorespiratory performance

The use of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in sport has been increasing in the last years due to their potential positive effects for athletes. However, there is little evidence to support whether these types of garments actually improve cardiorespiratory performance. The aim of this study was to examine the cardiorespiratory responses of GCS during running after three weeks of regular use. Twenty recreational runners performed three tests on different days: test 1) – a 5-min maximal effort run in order to determine the participants’ maximal aerobic speed; and tests 2) and 3) – a fatigue running test of 30 minutes at 80% of their maximal aerobic speed with either GCS or PLACEBO stockings at random. Cardiorespiratory parameters (minute ventilation, heart rate, relative oxygen consumption, relative carbon dioxide production, ventilatory equivalents for oxygen and carbon dioxide, and oxygen pulse) were measured. Before each test in the laboratory, the participants trained with the randomly assigned stockings (GCS or PLACEBO) for three weeks. No significant differences between GCS and PLACEBO were found in any of the cardiorespiratory parameters. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that running with GCS for three weeks does not influence cardiorespiratory parameters in recreational runners.     

Bax inhibition protects against free fatty acid-induced lysosomal permeabilization

Lysosomal permeabilization is a key feature of hepatocyte lipotoxicity, yet the mechanisms mediating this critical cellular event are unclear. This study examined the mechanisms involved in free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lysosomal permeabilization and the role of Bax, a Bcl-2 family member, in this event. Exposure of liver cells to palmitate induced Bax activation and translocation to lysosomes. Studies to suppress Bax activation either by pharmacological approaches or small interfering-RNA-mediated inhibition of Bax expression showed that lysosomal permeabilization is Bax dependent. In addition, palmitate treatment resulted in a significant decrease in Bcl-X(L), a Bax antagonist. Moreover, forced Bcl-X(L) expression blocked lysosomal permeabilization. Lysosomal permeabilization by FFA was ceramide and caspase independent. Finally, paradigms that inhibit lysosomal permeabilization also reduced apoptosis. In conclusion, these data strongly support a regulatory role for Bax in FFA-mediated lysosomal permeabilization and subsequent cell death.     

The Head and Neck Anatomy of Sea Turtles (Cryptodira: Chelonioidea) and Skull Shape in Testudines

Background

Sea turtles (Chelonoidea) are a charismatic group of marine reptiles that occupy a range of important ecological roles. However, the diversity and evolution of their feeding anatomy remain incompletely known.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Using computed tomography and classical comparative anatomy we describe the cranial anatomy in two sea turtles, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), for a better understanding of sea turtle functional anatomy and morphological variation. In both taxa the temporal region of the skull is enclosed by bone and the jaw joint structure and muscle arrangement indicate that palinal jaw movement is possible. The tongue is relatively small, and the hyoid apparatus is not as conspicuous as in some freshwater aquatic turtles. We find several similarities between the muscles of C. caretta and L. kempii, but comparison with other turtles suggests only one of these characters may be derived: connection of the m. adductor mandibulae internus into the Pars intramandibularis via the Zwischensehne. The large fleshy origin of the m. adductor mandibulae externus Pars superficialis from the jugal seems to be a characteristic feature of sea turtles.

Conclusions/Significance

In C. caretta and L. kempii the ability to suction feed does not seem to be as well developed as that found in some freshwater aquatic turtles. Instead both have skulls suited to forceful biting. This is consistent with the observation that both taxa tend to feed on relatively slow moving but sometimes armoured prey. The broad fleshy origin of the m. adductor mandibulae externus Pars superficialis may be linked to thecheek region being almost fully enclosed in bone but the relationship is complex.     

Temporal bone arrangements in turtles: an overview

The temporal region of turtles is characterized by significant anatomical diversity. Turtles show a pure anapsid morphotype that exhibits various different marginal reductions known as emarginations. As a result of this diversity, turtles can be taken as a model by which to understand the processes that may have resulted in the highly debated anatomy of the amniote temporal region in general. In this review on almost forgotten literature, I summarize ten potential factors that may act on the skull to shape the temporal region of turtles. These are: (1) phylogenetic constraints, (2) skull weights, (3) type of food, (4) skull dimensions, (5) muscle bulging, (6) ear anatomy and jaw muscle bending mechanisms, (7) extent and nature of muscle attachment sites, (8) internal forces within the jaw adductor chamber, (9) environmental pressure, and (10) neck bending mechanisms. Particular focus is laid on the interrelationship of the jaw musculature and the dermatocranial armour, which were assumed to influence each other to a certain degree. In the literature, cranial dimensions were assumed to influence temporal bone formation within major tetrapod groups. Among these, turtles seem to represent a kind of intermixture, a phenomenon that may be reflected in their specific anatomy. The references presented should be understood as product of the scientific environment in which they developed and the older literature does not always insist current empirical demands. However, the intuitive and creative ideas and the comprehensive anatomical considerations of these authors may inspire future studies in several fields related to this topic.     

A Hippo and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Autocrine Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma

Herein, we have identified cross-talk between the Hippo and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) oncogenic signaling pathways in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear localization and up-regulation of canonical target genes was observed in CCA cell lines and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX). Expression of FGFR1, -2, and -4 was identified in human CCA cell lines, driven, in part, by YAP coactivation of TBX5. In turn, FGFR signaling in a cell line with minimal basal YAP expression induced its cellular protein expression and nuclear localization. Treatment of YAP-positive CCA cell lines with BGJ398, a pan-FGFR inhibitor, resulted in a decrease in YAP activation. FGFR activation of YAP appears to be driven largely by FGF5 activation of FGFR2, as siRNA silencing of this ligand or receptor, respectively, inhibited YAP nuclear localization. BGJ398 treatment of YAP-expressing cells induced cell death due to Mcl-1 depletion. In a YAP-associated mouse model of CCA, expression of FGFR 1, 2, and 4 was also significantly increased. Accordingly, BGJ398 treatment was tumor-suppressive in this model and in a YAP-positive PDX model. These preclinical data suggest not only that the YAP and Hippo signaling pathways culminate in an Mcl-1-regulated tumor survival pathway but also that nuclear YAP expression may be a biomarker to employ in FGFR-directed therapy.     

A partial skull roof of an embolomere from Linton,Ohio (Middle Pennsylvanian) and its phylogenetic affinities

Among the famous Middle Pennsylvanian tetrapod fauna from Linton, Ohio, embolomeres are extremely rare and known only from three snout fragments which are referred to as the eogyrinid Leptophractus obsoletus. We describe herein a skull roof fragment from Linton that consists of the left orbital and cheek region and parts of the palate preserved in dorsal view, which belonged to a skull of approximately 100 mm length. Although diagnostic parts such as the tabular horn and the otic region are not preserved, it can be assigned to embolomeres by its attenuated, irregular dermal bone sculpture. The specimen can be interpreted most plausibly as an eogyrinid because of (1) the distinct, mostly continuous lateral lines that appear like a string of beads due to the subdued ridges on their bottom, and (2) the kinetic line between skull table and cheek in combination with the firm suture between the postorbital and intertemporal. The participation of the lacrimal in the anterior orbital margin is unusual for eogyrinids but might represent a juvenile character. Because the eogyrinid skull roof is derived from the same locality and strata as the eogyrinid L. obsoletus, we tentatively assign it to that genus and species.