Adenosine Deaminase That Acts on RNA 3 (ADAR3) Binding to Glutamate Receptor Subunit B Pre-mRNA Inhibits RNA Editing in Glioblastoma

RNA editing is a cellular process that precisely alters nucleotide sequences, thus regulating gene expression and generating protein diversity. Over 60% of human transcripts undergo adenosine to inosine RNA editing, and editing is required for normal development and proper neuronal function of animals. Editing of one adenosine in the transcript encoding the glutamate receptor subunit B, glutamate receptor ionotropic AMPA 2 (GRIA2), modifies a codon, replacing the genomically encoded glutamine (Q) with arginine (R); thus this editing site is referred to as the Q/R site. Editing at the Q/R site of GRIA2 is essential, and reduced editing of GRIA2 transcripts has been observed in patients suffering from glioblastoma. In glioblastoma, incorporation of unedited GRIA2 subunits leads to a calcium-permeable glutamate receptor, which can promote cell migration and tumor invasion. In this study, we identify adenosine deaminase that acts on RNA 3 (ADAR3) as an important regulator of Q/R site editing, investigate its mode of action, and detect elevated ADAR3 expression in glioblastoma tumors compared with adjacent brain tissue. Overexpression of ADAR3 in astrocyte and astrocytoma cell lines inhibits RNA editing at the Q/R site of GRIA2 Furthermore, the double-stranded RNA binding domains of ADAR3 are required for repression of RNA editing. As the Q/R site of GRIA2 is specifically edited by ADAR2, we suggest that ADAR3 directly competes with ADAR2 for binding to GRIA2 transcript, inhibiting RNA editing, as evidenced by the direct binding of ADAR3 to the GRIA2 pre-mRNA. Finally, we provide evidence that both ADAR2 and ADAR3 expression contributes to the relative level of GRIA2 editing in tumors from patients suffering from glioblastoma.

Inclusion of cottonseed meal into loose mineral mix supplements increases the voluntary intake of the supplement by grazing heifers

Loose mineral mix (LMM) supplements based on ingredients such as salt, urea and minerals offered ad libitum are widely used to provide additional nutrients to grazing cattle, but it is often difficult to achieve target intakes. An experiment with heifers grazing mature tropical pasture examined the effects of substituting 80, 160 or 320 g/kg of the salt in a LMM supplement with cottonseed meal on the voluntary intake of the LMM supplements by paddock groups of heifers over 10 weeks. Average voluntary intake of a LMM containing (g/kg) 640 salt, 300 urea and 60 ammonium sulfate (40.2 g DM and 6.14 g total nitrogen/day) was increased linearly (P < 0.001) to 50.8 g DM and 8.88 g total nitrogen/day when up to 320 g/kg cottonseed meal was substituted for salt in the LMM. This increase in intake of nitrogen in LMM was due to the increase in voluntary intake of the supplement rather than the increased nitrogen concentration of supplement. The distribution of daily intake of supplement within paddock groups of heifers was estimated during Weeks 5 and 10 using supplements labelled with lithium sulfate. Neither the coefficient of variation within paddock groups of heifers in supplement intake (mean 96%), nor the proportion of non-consumers of supplement (mean 17%), was changed (P > 0.05) by substitution of salt with cottonseed meal. In conclusion, the inclusion of a palatable protein meal into LMM increased the voluntary intake of this type of supplement.

Formative evaluation on cultural tailoring breathing awareness meditation smartphone apps to reduce stress and blood pressure

BACKGROUND

Chronic stress is an independent risk factor for essential hypertension (EH), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and is sometimes confronted by mal-adaptive coping behaviors (e.g., stress eating, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.). Pre-essential hypertension (preEH) is the leading predictor of future EH status. Breathing awareness meditation (BAM) can result in clinically beneficial blood pressure (BP) reductions, though face-to-face sessions presents barriers to reach those in need. The purpose of this study was to identify if a culturally tailored approach is needed in the design and preferences between groups of preEH African American and White adults toward using a smartphone BAM app, the Tension Tamer (TT) app.

METHODS

TT includes audio delivered BAM instructions, real-time heart rate, feedback graphs and motivational reinforcement text messaging. Questionnaires and two focus groups each of African American and White adults, [n=34, mean age =43.1 years, (SD 13.8 years), 44.1% African American] were conducted to understand stress, EH knowledge, app usage along with feedback from a hands-on demonstration of TT. Grounded theory using NVivo 10 was used to develop themes and combined with the questionnaires in the analysis.

RESULTS

No racial differences were found in the analysis including app use scenarios, preferences, knowledge, technology use or the attitudes and acceptance toward mobile health (mHealth) programs. Reported stress was high for African Americans [PSS-4: mean 6.87 (SD 3.3) versus mean 4.56 (SD 2.6); P=0.03]. Four main themes were found: (I) stress was pervasive; (II) coping strategies were both positive and negative; (III) BAM training was easy to incorporated; and (IV) tracking stress responses was useful. Responses suggest that additional personalization of app interfaces may drive ownership and adherence to protocols. Measures and reports of heart rate monitoring while in session were favorably viewed with low issues with confidentiality or trust issues on collected session data.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that a culturally tailored approach may be unnecessary in the design of BAM apps. Further investigation is warranted for other racial groups, age ranges, and disease conditions.

Computer-Assisted versus Teacher-Directed Teaching of Community Living Skills in People with a Mild Learning Disability

An experiment was carried out in which adults with a learning disability of the mild type undertook either computer-assisted or teacher-implemented instruction in community living skills, with a third group acting as a control group. All groups were pre-tested on a standardised psychometric measure of community living skills (the HANC 2 subscale of the Hampshire Assessment for Living with Others test), after which the experimental groups received one half-day per week training in such skills as money handling and budgeting for 3 months, when all groups were reassessed. It was found that both the teacher-led and computer-assisted instruction groups appeared to gain more than the control group, but only the teacher-led group differed significantly from the control group. The computer-assisted group improved in their scores by an intermediate amount, with their gains being non-significantly different from either the control or the teacher-led groups. The strengths and weaknesses of the software used in the study are discussed.

Reduced response of human meniscal cells to Osteogenic Protein 1 during osteoarthritis and pro-inflammatory stimulation

OBJECTIVE

Many cell types lose responsiveness to anabolic factors during inflammation and disease. Osteogenic Protein 1 (OP1/BMP7) was evaluated for the ability to enhance extracellular matrix synthesis in healthy and OA meniscus cells. Mechanisms of cell response to OP1 were explored.

DESIGN

Meniscus and cartilage tissues from healthy tissue donors and osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasties were acquired. Primary cell cultures were stimulated with OP1 and/or inflammatory factors (IL1α, IL1β, or fibronectin fragments (FnF)) and cellular responses were analyzed by RT-qPCR and immunoblots. Frozen section immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to assess OP1 and receptor proteins in normal and OA meniscus.

RESULTS

OP1 treatment of normal meniscus cells resulted in significant, dose-dependent increases in ACAN (aggrecan) and COL2A1, and decreased MMP13 gene transcription, while only ACAN was upregulated (P < 0.01) at the highest dose of OP1 in OA meniscus cells. OP1 induced significantly more ACAN gene transcription in normal meniscus than normal articular cartilage (P = 0.05), and no differences between normal and OA cartilage were detected. Receptor expression and kinetics of canonical signaling activation were similar between normal and OA specimens. Normal meniscus cells treated with inflammatory factors were refractory to OP1 stimulation. Smad1 phosphorylation at an inhibitory site was induced (P = 0.01 for both normal and OA meniscus) by inflammatory cytokine treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The meniscus demonstrates resistance to OP1 stimulation in OA and in the presence of inflammatory mediators. MAPK-mediated Smad1 linker phosphorylation is a possible mediator of the loss of anabolic extracellular matrix production in the inflammatory cytokine affected meniscus.

Microbiological profiles of sputum and gastric juice aspirates in Cystic Fibrosis patients

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (GOR) is a key problem in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), but the relationship between lung and gastric microbiomes is not well understood. We hypothesised that CF gastric and lung microbiomes are related. Gastric and sputum cultures were obtained from fifteen CF patients receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding. Non-CF gastric juice data was obtained through endoscopy from 14 patients without lung disease. Bacterial and fungal isolates were identified by culture. Molecular bacterial profiling used next generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene. Cultures grew bacteria and/or fungi in all CF gastric juice and sputa and in 9/14 non-CF gastric juices. Pseudomonas aeruginosa(Pa) was present in CF sputum in 11 patients, 4 had identical Pa strains in the stomach. NGS data from non-CF gastric juice samples were significantly more diverse compared to CF samples. NGS showed CF gastric juice had markedly lower abundance of normal gut bacteria; Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium, but increased Pseudomonas compared with non-CF. Multivariate partial least squares discriminant analysis demonstrated similar bacterial profiles of CF sputum and gastric juice samples, which were distinct from non-CF gastric juice. We provide novel evidence suggesting the existence of an aerodigestive microbiome in CF, which may have clinical relevance.

Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) single particle analysis of metallurgy plant emissions

The chemical composition of single particles deposited on industrial filters located in three different chimneys of an iron-manganese (Fe-Mn) alloy manufacturing plant have been compared using aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX). Very similar types of particles were observed using both analytical techniques. Calcium-containing particles dominated in the firing area of the sintering unit, Mn and/or Al-bearing particles were observed at the cooling area of the sintering unit, while Mn-containing particles were dominant at the smelting unit. SEM-EDX analysis of particles collected downstream of the industrial filters showed that the composition of the particles emitted from the chimneys is very similar to those collected on the filters. ATOFMS analysis of ore samples was also performed to identify particulate emissions that could be generated by wind erosion and manual activities. Specific particle types have been identified for each emission source (chimneys and ore piles) and can be used as tracers for source apportionment of ambient PM measured in the vicinity of the industrial site.

Towards Canine Rabies Elimination in South-Eastern Tanzania: Assessment of Health Economic Data

An estimated 59 000 people die annually from rabies, keeping this zoonosis on the forefront of neglected diseases, especially in the developing world. Most deaths occur after being bitten by a rabid dog. Those exposed to a suspect rabid animal should receive appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or risk death. However, vaccination of dogs to control and eliminate canine rabies at the source has been implemented in many places around the world. Here, we analysed the vaccination and cost data for one such campaign in the area surrounding and including Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and estimated the cost per dog vaccinated. We also estimated the cost of human PEP. We found that the cost per dog vaccinated ranged from $2.50 to $22.49 across districts and phases, with the phase average ranging from $7.30 to $11.27. These figures were influenced by over purchase of vaccine in the early phases of the programme and the significant costs associated with purchasing equipment for a programme starting from scratch. The cost per human PEP course administered was approximately $24.41, with the average patient receiving 2.5 of the recommended four vaccine doses per suspect bite. This study provides valuable financial insights into programme managers and policymakers working towards rabies elimination.

A universal equation to predict methane production of forage-fed cattle in Australia

The methods for estimating methane emissions from cattle as used in the Australian national inventory are based on older data that have now been superseded by a large amount of more recent data. Recent data suggested that the current inventory emissions estimates can be improved. To address this issue, a total of 1034 individual animal records of daily methane production (MP) was used to reassess the relationship between MP and each of dry matter intake (DMI) and gross energy intake (GEI). Data were restricted to trials conducted in the past 10 years using open-circuit respiration chambers, with cattle fed forage-based diets (forage >70%). Results from diets considered to inhibit methanogenesis were omitted from the dataset. Records were obtained from dairy cattle fed temperate forages (220 records), beef cattle fed temperate forages (680 records) and beef cattle fed tropical forages (133 records). Relationships were very similar for all three production categories and single relationships for MP on a DMI or GEI basis were proposed for national inventory purposes. These relationships were MP (g/day) = 20.7 (±0.28) × DMI (kg/day) (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.001) and MP (MJ/day) = 0.063 (±0.008) × GEI (MJ/day) (R2 = 0.93, P < 0.001). If the revised MP (g/day) approach is used to calculate Australia’s national inventory, it will reduce estimates of emissions of forage-fed cattle by 24%. Assuming a global warming potential of 25 for methane, this represents a 12.6 Mt CO2-e reduction in calculated annual emissions from Australian cattle.

Role of the interosseous membrane and annular ligament in stabilizing the proximal radial head

HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of our study was to determine the relative contributions of the annular ligament, proximal band, central band, and distal band of the interosseous membrane in preventing dislocation of the proximal radius.

METHODS

In part 1 of the study, 8 forearms were loaded transversely with the forearm intact, and the central band, proximal band, and annular ligament were sequentially sectioned to determine the percentage contribution of each structure in preventing transverse radial displacement. In part 2, 12 forearms were cyclically supinated and pronated while optical sensors measured radial and ulnar motion. Transverse radial head motion was computed as the distal band, central band, and proximal band (and annular ligament) were sequentially sectioned.

RESULTS

In part 1, there was no significant difference in the percentage contribution of each structure in preventing radial transverse displacement. In part 2, only after sectioning of the central band did significant radial head displacement occur. Greater displacements occurred in supination than in pronation. Dislocation of the proximal radius occurred in 2 arms after sectioning of all 3 structures.

DISCUSSION

Under pure transverse displacement, the central band, annular ligament, and proximal band equally contributed to stabilizing the radius. However, during forearm rotation, the central band contributed more to radial head stability than the annular ligament and proximal band. Our study contributes to our knowledge of forearm biomechanics, demonstrating the importance of the central band in providing proximal radial head stability. Forceful supination should be avoided after surgical procedures designed to stabilize the radial head.

Evaluation of an mHealth Medication Regimen Self-Management Program for African American and Hispanic Uncontrolled Hypertensives

African Americans and Hispanics have disproportionate rates of uncontrolled essential hypertension (EH) compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. Medication non-adherence (MNA) is the leading modifiable behavior to improved blood pressure (BP) control. The Smartphone Medication Adherence Stops Hypertension (SMASH) program was developed using a patient-centered, theory-guided, iterative design process. Electronic medication trays provided reminder signals, and Short Message Service [SMS] messaging reminded subjects to monitor BP with Bluetooth-enabled monitors. Motivational and reinforcement text messages were sent to participants based upon levels of adherence. Thirty-eight African-American (18) and Hispanic (20) uncontrolled hypertensives completed clinic-based anthropometric and resting BP evaluations prior to randomization, and again at months 1, 3 and 6. Generalized linear mixed modeling (GLMM) revealed statistically significant time-by-treatment interactions (p < 0.0001) indicating significant reductions in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for the SMASH group vs. the standard care (SC) control group across all time points. 70.6% of SMASH subjects vs. 15.8% of the SC group reached BP control (< 140/90 mmH) at month 1 (p < 0.001). At month 6, 94.4% of the SMASH vs. 41.2% of the SC group exhibited controlled BP (p < 0.003). Our findings provide encouraging evidence that efficacious mHealth, chronic disease, medical regimen, self-management programs can be developed following principles of patient-centered, theory-guided design.

High-throughput determination of structural phase diagram and constituent phases using GRENDEL

Advances in high-throughput materials fabrication and characterization techniques have resulted in faster rates of data collection and rapidly growing volumes of experimental data. To convert this mass of information into actionable knowledge of material process-structure-property relationships requires high-throughput data analysis techniques. This work explores the use of the Graph-based endmember extraction and labeling (GRENDEL) algorithm as a high-throughput method for analyzing structural data from combinatorial libraries, specifically, to determine phase diagrams and constituent phases from both x-ray diffraction and Raman spectral data. The GRENDEL algorithm utilizes a set of physical constraints to optimize results and provides a framework by which additional physics-based constraints can be easily incorporated. GRENDEL also permits the integration of database data as shown by the use of critically evaluated data from the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database in the x-ray diffraction data analysis. Also the Sunburst radial tree map is demonstrated as a tool to visualize material structure-property relationships found through graph based analysis.

Analysis of crosstalk between retinoic acid and sonic hedgehog pathways following ethanol exposure in embryonic zebrafish

BACKGROUND

Ethanol is a teratogen affecting numerous regions of the developing nervous system. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether ethanol independently disrupts distinct signaling pathways or rather disrupts interactive pathways that regulate development of ethanol-sensitive tissues.

METHODS

Zebrafish embryos were exposed to ethanol in the absence or presence of aldh1a3 or Shh morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs), which disrupt retinoic acid (RA) or sonic hedgehog (Shh) function, respectively. Morphological analysis of ocular or midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) development was conducted, and the ability to rescue ethanol and MO-induced phenotypes was assessed. In situ hybridization was used to analyze Pax6a expression during ocular development.

RESULTS

Chronic ethanol exposure, or combined ethanol and MO treatment, results in perturbed MHB formation and microphthalmia. While RA can rescue the MHB phenotype following ethanol combined with either MO, Shh mRNA is unable to rescue the disrupted MHB with combined ethanol and aldh1a3 MO treatment. RA also is unable to rescue microphthalmia induced by ethanol and Shh MO.

CONCLUSION

These studies demonstrate that while reduction of either RA or Shh signaling produces the same disruption of MHB or ocular development, that can be phenocopied using ethanol combined with either MO, RA overexpression can only rescue disrupted MHB, but not microphthalmia, in combined subthreshold Shh MO and ethanol. Our data suggest that MHB development may involve crosstalk between RA and Shh signaling, while ocular development depends on RA and Shh signaling that both are targets of ethanol in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders but do not depend on a mechanism involving crosstalk.

Hydration in non-suckling neonatal Brahman-cross calves

OBJECTIVE

To identify measures that most closely relate to hydration in healthy Brahman-cross neonatal calves that experience milk deprivation.

METHODS

In a dry tropical environment, eight neonatal Brahman-cross calves were prevented from suckling for 2-3 days during which measurements were performed twice daily.

RESULTS

Mean body water, as estimated by the mean urea space, was 74±3% of body weight at full hydration. The mean decrease in hydration was 7.3±1.1% per day. The rate of decrease was more than three-fold higher during the day than at night. At an ambient temperature of 39°C, the decrease in hydration averaged 1.1% hourly. Measures that were most useful in predicting the degree of hydration in both simple and multiple-regression prediction models were body weight, hindleg length, girth, ambient and oral temperatures, eyelid tenting, alertness score and plasma sodium. These parameters are different to those recommended for assessing calves with diarrhoea. Single-measure predictions had a standard error of at least 5%, which reduced to 3-4% if multiple measures were used.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that simple assessment of non-suckling Brahman-cross neonatal calves can estimate the severity of dehydration, but the estimates are imprecise. Dehydration in healthy neonatal calves that do not have access to milk can exceed 20% (>15% weight loss) in 1-3 days under tropical conditions and at this point some are unable to recover without clinical intervention.

Stroke induces a rapid adaptive autoimmune response to novel neuronal antigens

Stroke affects millions of people worldwide every year. Despite this prevalence, mechanisms of long-term injury and repair within the ischemic brain are still understudied. Sterile inflammation occurs in the injured brain after stroke, with damaged tissue exposing central nervous system (CNS)-derived antigen that could initiate potential autoimmune responses. We used a standard immunology-based recall response assay for murine immune cells, isolated from the cervical lymph nodes and spleen after transient stroke, to determine if stroke induces autoreactivity to CNS target antigens. Our assays included novel neuronal peptides, in addition to myelin-, nuclear-, glial-, and endothelial-derived peptides. Autoimmune responses to an antigen were considered positive based on proliferation and activation over non-stimulated conditions. Stroke induced a significant increase in autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as autoreactive CD19+ B cells, as early as 4 days after stroke onset. Mice with large infarct volumes exhibited early T and B cell autoreactivity to NR2A, an NMDA receptor subunit, in cells isolated from lymph nodes but not spleen. Mice with small infarct volumes exhibited high autoreactivity to MAP2, a dendritic cytoskeletal protein, as well as myelin-derived peptides. This autoimmunity was maintained through 10 days post-stroke in both lymph nodes and spleen for all lymphocyte subsets. Sham surgery also induced early autoreactive B cell responses to MAP2 and myelin. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that stroke induces a secondary, complex, and dynamic autoimmune response to neuronal antigens with the potential to potentiate, or perhaps even ameliorate, long-term neuroinflammation.

Understanding the opposing roles of the adaptive immune system in stroke (THER7P.955)

Stroke is caused by a loss of blood flow to the brain, which results in permanent neurological injury. Murine models of ischemic stroke implicate the immune system as both contributor and suppressor of neuro-inflammation following brain ischemia. Using a 60-min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model and a recall response assay, we have detected autoreactive immune responses to myelin, neuronal and glial peptides, suggesting a possible immune involvement in further brain inflammation. We previously found that repetitive hypoxic preconditioning (RHP) prior to stroke endogenously decreases infarct volumes and creates a unique, anti-inflammatory B-cell phenotype that may contribute to RHP-mediated reversal of neuropathology. Now, we show that B(RHP)cell adoptive transfer significantly reduces infarct volumes and CNS-antigen autoreactivity in CD4+ T-cells compared to PBS- or control B-cell treatments. B(RHP)cells exhibited increased production of IL10, a neuroprotective cytokine, and IFN-γ, a cytokine that potentiates the conversion of effector to regulatory T-cells that suppress neuropathological immune cells. Co-culture of B(RHP)cells with T-cells significantly converted naïve CD4 T-cells to Foxp3+CD25+ regulatory CD4 T-cells. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that RHP induces a novel subset of neuroprotective B-cells as an important regulatory arm of the adaptive immune system that can be potentially harnessed for immunotherapeutic strategies.

Piloting yoga and assessing outcomes in a residential behavioural health unit

This study examined if adolescents on a residential behavioural health unit would participate in a yoga intervention. Yoga has been used as a mind-body practice for more than 2000 years; however, studies are limited regarding its effects on adolescents with mental illness on an inpatient unit. Yoga was added, twice weekly, to the program schedule. Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Adolescent Short Form (TEIQue-ASF) scores were measured over 8 weeks. Additional measures included daily numbers of quiet times, time outs, and point card scores. Twenty-two adolescents completed the study. The TEIQue-ASF assessment was able to detect changes in total scores over 8 weeks. Increased yoga participation was related to higher values of the TEIQue-ASF subdomain of sociability, increase in weekly point card totals, a decrease in behavioural time outs, and a decrease in combined behavioural interventions at various time points throughout the programme. This study was relevant because it was conducted on an adolescent inpatient unit. It provides support that yoga, as part of a residential programme, is a feasible intervention for adolescents with mental illness. Changes in the various measures cannot be directly linked to yoga because of lack of a comparison group. Additional studies with a larger sample, and randomization, are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of yoga and to determine if changes to the TEIQue-ASF can be attributed to yoga or other behavioural-based interventions. Little is known about how yoga will impact behavioural health outcomes for adolescents with mental illness in an inpatient setting. This study examined if adolescents on a residential behavioural health unit would participate in a yoga intervention to address emotional regulation. A single cohort study design was used. Yoga was added to the programme schedule twice weekly. Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Adolescent Short Form (TEIQue-ASF) scores and additional behavioural measures were tracked over 8 weeks. Adolescents participated in yoga, with a higher participation rate for girls compared with boys. The TEIQue-ASF assessment detected changes in total score over 8 weeks. Increased yoga participation was related to higher values of the TEIQue-ASF subdomain of sociability, increase in weekly point card totals, and a decrease in combined behavioural interventions at various time points throughout the programme. This study was relevant because it was conducted on an adolescent inpatient unit. Further studies are needed to determine if changes can be attributed to yoga or other behavioural-based interventions. If supported by further studies, yoga has the potential to be a complimentary therapy that can be integrated into the multidisciplinary treatment approach for mental health patients.

Two subclasses of odorant-binding proteins in Spodoptera exigua display structural conservation and functional divergence

Although many studies on lepidopteran pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs)/ general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) have been reported, the functional differentiation within and between the two odorant-binding protein (OBP) subclasses is still elusive. Here we conducted a comparative study on three SexiPBPs and two SexiGOBPs in Spodoptera exigua. Results showed that all five SexiPBP/GOBP genes have the same intron numbers and conserved exon/intron splice sites. Reverse transcription PCR results showed that these five SexiPBP/GOBPs were primarily expressed in antennae of both sexes and some were also detected in other tissues. Further, quantitative real-time PCR showed that five SexiPBP/GOBPs had different sex-biased expression patterns, with PBP1 being highly male-biased (5.96-fold difference) and PBP3 slightly female-biased (2.43-fold difference), while PBP2 and two GOBPs were approximately sex-equivalent (the absolute value<1.90-fold difference). Binding assays showed that all three SexiPBPs could bind all six sex pheromone components, but SexiPBP1 had much higher affinities [dissociation constant (Ki ) <1.10 μM] than did the other two SexiPBPs (Ki  >1.20 μM). Very intriguingly, SexiGOBP2 displayed even stronger binding to five sex pheromone components (Ki  <0.40 μM) than SexiPBP1. In contrast, SexiGOBP1 only exhibited weak binding to three alcohol-pheromone components. Similar results were obtained for tested pheromone analogues. In addition, each of SexiPBP/GOBPs selectively bound some plant odorants with considerable affinities (Ki  <10.0 μM). Taken together, of the three SexiPBPs, SexiPBP1 may play the most important role in female sex pheromone reception, and additionally all three SexiPBPs can detect some plant odorants, while SexiGOBP2 may be involved in the detection of female sex pheromones in addition to plant odorants. The results strongly suggest functional differentiation within and between the two OBP sub-classes.

Chemosensory receptor genes in the Oriental tobacco budworm Helicoverpa assulta

The Oriental tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa assulta) is a specialist herbivore moth and its larvae feed on Solanaceous plants. (Z)-9-hexadecenal (Z9-16: Ald) is the major sex pheromone component in H. assulta but the specific pheromone receptor (PR) against Z9-16: Ald has not yet been identified. In the present study, we integrated transcriptomic, bioinformatic and functional characterization approaches to investigate the chemosensory receptor genes of H. assulta. We identified seven potential PRs with 44 olfactory receptors, 18 gustatory receptors and 24 ionotropic receptors, which were further studied by in silico gene expression profile, phylogenetic analysis, reverse transcription PCR and calcium imaging assays. The candidate PR, HassOR13, showed a strong response to the minor sex pheromone component, (Z)-11-hexadecenal, but not the major component, Z9-16: Ald, in calcium imaging assays. This study provides the molecular basis for comparative studies of chemosensory receptors between H. assulta and other Helicoverpa species and will advance our understanding of the evolution and function of Lepidoptera insect chemosensation.

Parent experiences raising young people with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease

Authors of this qualitative descriptive study interviewed 30 parents concerning their experiences raising a child or adolescent with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD). Analysis revealed six themes: (a) health complications of T1D, (b) challenges of daily disease management, (c) financial concerns, (d) the young person's emotional/mental health, (e) experiences with healthcare providers, and (f) experiences with people outside the family and at school. Results suggest nurses need to be sensitive to challenges young people living with T1D and CD and their parents face, conduct ongoing assessments, and provide time during interactions to adequately address concerns.

Towards Canine Rabies Elimination in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Assessment of Health Economic Data

Rabies remains a significant problem throughout much of the developing world. An estimated 69 000 people die annually from exposure to rabies. Most of these deaths are the result of being bitten by a rabid dog. Mass vaccination campaigns targeting dogs have been implemented around the world in an attempt to control or eliminate canine rabies. We analysed the vaccination and cost data for a campaign in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa; we found that the cost per dog vaccinated to be $6.61 for mass campaigns and $5.41 for local campaigns. We also estimated the cost of human post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The cost of PEP is approximately $64.50 on average per patient, and $333 on average for the 9% of patients who receive RIG. We also found that the districts that vaccinated the most dogs per capita experienced the highest rates of human treatment and thus had the highest PEP costs.

From head to tail it's a 2 way street for neuro-immune communication

Animals need to be able to rapidly and effectively respond to changes in their external and internal environment. To achieve this the nervous and immune systems need to coordinate their responses, integrating multiple cues including presence of potential pathogens, and availability of food. In our recent study (1) we demonstrate that signaling by sensory neurons in the head using the classical neurotransmitter serotonin can negatively regulate the rectal epithelial immune response upon infection of C. elegans with the naturally occurring bacterial pathogen Microbacterium nematophilum (M. nematophilum). The complicated nature of the mammalian brain and immune system has made it difficult to identify the molecular mechanisms mediating these interactions. With its simple, well described, nervous system and a rapidly growing understanding of its immune system, C. elegans has emerged as an excellent model to study the mechanisms by which animals recognize pathogens and coordinate behavioral and cellular immune responses to infection.

Activity of ivermectin long-acting injectable (IVOMEC(®) GOLD) in first-season grazing cattle exposed to natural challenge conditions in Germany

The persistent activity of ivermectin long-acting injection (IVM LAI; IVOMEC® GOLD, Merial; 3.15% ivermectin w/v) against nematode infections of cattle was evaluated under natural challenge conditions. Seventy nematode-free Brown Swiss calves were blocked by pre-treatment bodyweight and allocated randomly to seven groups of 10 animals each: saline (control) at 1 mL/50 kg bodyweight once on day 0 or IVM LAI at 1 mL/50 kg bodyweight (630 mcg IVM/kg) on either days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, or 35. After housing until day 35, calves were grazed as one herd on a naturally contaminated pasture for 42 days. Calves were then weighed and housed for 4 weeks before being necropsied for parasite counting. Treatment with IVM LAI prevented the establishment (>90%, p < 0.05) of Dictyocaulus viviparus (100%), Bunostomum phlebotomum (100 %), Haemonchus contortus (98.6%), Ostertagia ostertagi/lyrata (94.9%), and Oesophagostomum radiatum (93.3%) for at least 77 days; Ostertagia leptospicularis (99.1%) for 63 days; Cooperia punctata (97.7%), Trichostrongylus axei (96.5%), and Ostertagia spp. inhibited larvae 4 (93.3%) for 56 days; Cooperia oncophora/surnabada (96.9%), Trichuris discolor (93.6%), and Cooperia spp. inhibited larvae 4 (98.8%); and Nematodirus spp. inhibited larvae 4 (97.1%) for 42 days. Calves of groups treated with IVM LAI had significantly (p < 0.001) higher days 0 to 77 weight gains than the saline-treated controls (28.40-39.25 vs 2.60 kg); the weight gains of the IVM LAI-treated groups, however, were not different from one another (p > 0.3). This study demonstrated a very high efficacy of IVOMEC® GOLD in preventing the establishment of a wide range of bovine nematodes for extended periods of time which was associated with a significant benefit to productivity in terms of weight gain.

A study of the eigenvectors of the vibrational modes in crystalline cytidine via high-pressure Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the vibrational modes of crystalline cytidine at 295 K and high pressures by evaluating the logarithmic derivative of the vibrational frequency ω with respect to pressure P: [Formula: see text]. Crystalline samples of molecular materials have strong intramolecular bonds and weak intermolecular bonds. This hierarchy of bonding strengths causes the vibrational optical modes localized within a molecular unit ("internal" modes) to be relatively high in frequency while the modes in which the molecular units vibrate against each other ("external" modes) have relatively low frequencies. The value of the logarithmic derivative is a useful diagnostic probe of the nature of the eigenvector of the vibrational modes because stretching modes (which are predominantly internal to the molecule) have low logarithmic derivatives while external modes have higher logarithmic derivatives. In crystalline cytidine, the modes at 85.8, 101.4, and 110.6 cm(-1) are external in which the molecules of the unit cell vibrate against each other in either translational or librational motions (or some linear combination thereof). All of the modes above 320 cm(-1) are predominantly internal stretching modes. The remaining modes below 320 cm(-1) include external modes and internal modes, mostly involving either torsional or bending motions of groups of atoms within a molecule.

Assessment of safety, cardiovascular and subjective effects after intravenous cocaine and lofexidine

The primary objective of this study was to determine the safety of lofexidine, an α2 receptor agonist, alone and concurrent with cocaine in non-treatment seeking cocaine-dependent or cocaine-abusing participants. After screening, eligible participants received double-blind, randomized infusions of saline and 20mg of cocaine on Day 1, and saline and 40mg of cocaine on Day 2. Subjects were randomized and started receiving daily administration of placebo (N=4) or lofexidine on Day 3 and continued on this schedule until Day 7. Two dosing regimens for lofexedine were investigated: 0.8 QID (N=3) and 0.2mg QID (N=11). On Days 6 and 7, subjects received double-blind infusions of saline and 20mg of cocaine on Day 6, and saline and 40mg of cocaine on Day 7. The data reveal a notable incidence of hemodynamic-related AEs over the course of the study. Two of the three participants at the 0.8mg dose level discontinued, and five of 11 participants at the 0.2mg dose level were withdrawn (or voluntarily discontinued) after hemodynamic AEs. Subjective effects and cardiovascular data were derived from all participants who were eligible to receive infusions (i.e., did not meet stopping criteria) on Days 6 and 7 (6 received lofexidine 0.2mg, QID and 4 received placebo, QID). As expected, cocaine significantly increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as several positive subjective effects. There was a trend for lofexidine to decrease cocaine-induced cardiovascular changes and cocaine-induced ratings for "any drug effect", "good effects", and "desire cocaine", but sample size issues limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Despite the trends to reduce cocaine-induced subjective effects, cardiovascular AEs may limit future utility of lofexidine as a treatment for this population.

A study of the eigenvectors of the low-frequency vibrational modes in crystalline adenosine via high pressure Raman spectroscopy

High-pressure Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the vibrational modes of crystalline adenosine at 295 K by evaluating the logarithmic derivative of the vibrational frequency with respect to pressure: [Formula: see text]. Crystalline samples of molecular materials such as adenosine will have vibrational modes that are localized within a molecular unit ("internal" modes) as well as modes in which the molecular units vibrate against each other ("external" modes). The value of the logarithmic derivative is found to be a diagnostic probe of the nature of the eigenvector of the vibrational modes. Stretching modes which are predominantly internal to the molecule have low logarithmic derivatives while external modes have higher logarithmic derivatives. Particular interest is paid to the low-frequency (≤150 cm(-1)) modes. Based on the pressure dependence of its logarithmic derivative, a mode near 49 cm(-1) is identified as internal mode. The other modes below 400 cm(-1) have pressure dependences of their logarithmic derivatives consistent with being either (1) modes which are mainly external, meaning that the molecules of the unit cell vibrate against each other in translational or librational motions (or linear combinations thereof), or (2) torsional or bending modes involving a large number of atoms, mainly within a molecule. The modes above 400 cm(-1) all have pressure dependences of their logarithmic derivatives consistent with being mainly internal modes.

The role of imitation in video-based interventions for children with autism

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to bridge the gap between the corpus of imitation research and video-based intervention (VBI) research, and consider the impact imitation skills may be having on VBI outcomes and highlight potential areas for improving efficacy.

METHOD

A review of the imitation literature was conducted focusing on imitation skill deficits in children with autism followed by a critical review of the video modelling literature focusing on pre-intervention assessment of imitation skills and the impact imitation deficits may have on VBI outcomes.

RESULTS

Children with autism have specific imitation deficits, which may impact VBI outcomes. Imitation training or procedural modifications made to videos may accommodate for these deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

There are only six studies where VBI researchers have taken pre-intervention imitation assessments using an assortment of imitation measures. More research is required to develop a standardised multi-dimensional imitation assessment battery that can better inform VBI.