Noradrenergic stimulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in rat Purkinje neurons: an immunocytochemical study

A specific immunofluorescent histochemical method for cyclic adenosine monophosphate was used to study rat cerebellum. After topical treatment with norepinephrine or stimulation of norepinephrine-containing afferents from locus coeruleus, there was a striking increase in the number of Purkinje cells with strong cyclic adenosine monophosphate reactivity. Other putative inhibitory transmitters had no significant effect on staining of Purkinje cells. The results provide the first histochemical support for the hypothesis that cyclic adenosine monophosphate can be generated postsynaptically in central neurons in response to noradrenergic stimuli.     

A reversibly switching surface

We report the design of surfaces that exhibit dynamic changes in interfacial properties, such as wettability, in response to an electrical potential. The change in wetting behavior was caused by surface-confined, single-layered molecules undergoing conformational transitions between a hydrophilic and a moderately hydrophobic state. Reversible conformational transitions were confirmed at a molecular level with the use of sum-frequency generation spectroscopy and at a macroscopic level with the use of contact angle measurements. This type of surface design enables amplification of molecular-level conformational transitions to macroscopic changes in surface properties without altering the chemical identity of the surface. Such reversibly switching surfaces may open previously unknown opportunities in interfacial engineering.     

Ca2+ Effects on K+ Fluxes in Arabidopsis Seedlings Exposed to Al3+

Potassium transport was investigated in the root elongation zone of Arabidopsis seedlings during the first minutes of Al³⁺ exposure, using the non-invasive MIFE microelectrode technique. To prevent pH changes during Al³⁺ application, and to separate aluminium from acidic stress, plants were pre-treated with 5 mM homoPIPES before addition of AlCl₃ (pH 4.2). The 30-min treatment with 50 or 500 μM AlCl₃ led to a significant increase in K⁺ efflux in solutions containing 100 μM CaCl₂. This efflux was suppressed by high concentrations of Ca²⁺ (10 mM) in the bathing solution. Our results suggest that elevated external Ca²⁺ activities can sustain K⁺ influx in the root elongation zone during Al³⁺ exposure either by maintaining [Ca²⁺]_cyt or by affecting Al³⁺ uptake across the plasma membrane.     

Spatial distribution of isopods in an oak–beech forest

Soil macroinvertebrates were studied in a Mediterranean-type forest on brown-pebble forest soils in southern Russia. At the site, 144 intact soil cores (76 cm² each) forming a grid of 24 × 6 units were taken in order to determine animal spatial distribution. Abundance of isopods was 166.3 ± 16.0 indiv. m^–2 and they constituted about 12% of the total macrofaunal abundance. Biomass of isopods was 3.5 g m^–2, or about 21% of the total biomass of macrofauna. Three woodlice genera (Armadillidium, Cylisticus, and Trachelipus) were found at the site. The two latter genera formed almost all (93%) of the isopod population. We found that spatial distribution of woodlice was heterogeneous: areas with 4–5 individuals per sample were neighboring those without animals. In order to study soil factors influencing isopod distribution in the brown-pebble forest soil, the size of a sample was artificially increased by combining adjacent sample units. Litter mass (r = 0.41) and loss on ignition (LOI) (r = –0.55) significantly influenced isopod distribution. Soil pH was near neutral (6.79), LOI was 8.39, and the water holding capacity was 70.9%. Pebbles comprised up to 84% of the sample's mass. Ca. 40 samples are recommended for estimation of isopod abundance in brown forest soil.     

Esophageal patch grafting as a treatment for esophageal stricture in a horse.

Esophageal patch grafting, using the sternocephalicus muscle, was used for treatment of cervical esophageal stricture in a mare. The mare was maintained during the initial healing phase by total parenteral nutrition.     

Spontaneous intradural disc herniation with focal distension of the subarachnoid space in a dog

Myelo-computed tomography of a paraparetic 14-year-old dog revealed subarachnoid distension with an intradural filling defect above the T13–L1 disc space. T12–L1 hemilaminectomy followed by durotomy allowed removal of a large piece of degenerated disc material that compressed the spinal parenchyma. Full return to function was achieved 10 days post-surgery. The distension was likely secondary to the intradural herniation, and is a rare and distinct finding.     

Protective effect of anthocyanins from black soybean seed coats on UVB-induced apoptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo

UVB radiation proves to be one of the most relevant environmental risks because of its hazardous effects, such as premature skin aging and especially skin photocarcinogenesis. Anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments present in plants, are known to be powerful antioxidants that help protect plants from UV damage. In this study, we aimed at investigating the protective effect of anthocyanins from black soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] seed coats on UVB-induced apoptosis, and furthermore, we investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for regulation of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with anthocyanins reduced UVB-induced reactive oxygen species levels and inhibited UVB-induced apoptotic cell death through the prevention of caspase-3 pathway activation and reduction of proapoptotic Bax protein levels. UVB irradiation induced apoptotic cell death, which was inhibited by topical application of anthocyanins in hairless mice. It is concluded that anthocyanins from the seed coat of black soybeans may be useful compounds to modulate UVB-induced photoaging.     

Immune Status and Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity of Gilthead Seabream Sparus aurata Juveniles Fed Yeast and Microalga Derived β-glucans

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with β-glucans extracted from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and microalga (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) on gene expression, oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma immune parameters in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles. A practical commercial diet was used as the control (CTRL), and three others based on CTRL were further supplemented with different β-glucan extracts. One was derived from S. cerevisiae (diet MG) and two different extracts of 21% and 37% P. tricornutum-derived β-glucans (defined as Phaeo21 and Phaeo37), to give a final 0.06% β-glucan dietary concentration. Quadruplicate groups of 95 gilthead seabream (initial body weight: 4.1 ± 0.1 g) were fed to satiation three times a day for 8 weeks in a pulse-feeding regimen, with experimental diets intercalated with the CTRL dietary treatment every 2 weeks. After 8 weeks of feeding, all groups showed equal growth performance and no changes were found in plasma innate immune status. Nonetheless, fish groups fed β-glucans supplemented diets showed an improved anti-oxidant status compared to those fed CTRL at both sampling points (i.e., 2 and 8 weeks). The intestinal gene expression analysis highlighted the immunomodulatory role of Phaeo37 diet after 8 weeks, inducing an immune tolerance effect in gilthead seabream intestine, and a general down-regulation of immune-related gene expression. In conclusion, the results suggest that the dietary pulse administration of a P. tricornutum 37% enriched-β-glucans extract might be used as a counter-measure in a context of gut inflammation, due to its immune-tolerant and anti-oxidative effects.