The genetic landscape of the childhood cancer medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor of children. To identify the genetic alterations in this tumor type, we searched for copy number alterations using high-density microarrays and sequenced all known protein-coding genes and microRNA genes using Sanger sequencing in a set of 22 MBs. We found that, on average, each tumor had 11 gene alterations, fewer by a factor of 5 to 10 than in the adult solid tumors that have been sequenced to date. In addition to alterations in the Hedgehog and Wnt pathways, our analysis led to the discovery of genes not previously known to be altered in MBs. Most notably, inactivating mutations of the histone-lysine N-methyltransferase genes MLL2 or MLL3 were identified in 16% of MB patients. These results demonstrate key differences between the genetic landscapes of adult and childhood cancers, highlight dysregulation of developmental pathways as an important mechanism underlying MBs, and identify a role for a specific type of histone methylation in human tumorigenesis.     

In vitro allergy tests compared to intradermal testing in horses with recurrent airway obstruction

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is a common condition in stabled horses characterised by small airway inflammation, airway neutrophilia and obstruction following exposure of susceptible horses to mouldy hay and straw and is thus regarded as a hypersensitivity reaction to mould spores. However, the role of IgE-mediated reactions in RAO remains unclear.The aim of the study was to investigate with a serological IgE ELISA test (Allercept?), an in vitro sulfidoleukotriene (sLT) release assay (CAST^®) and with intradermal testing (IDT) whether serum IgE and IgE-mediated reactions against various mould, mite and pollen extracts are associated with RAO. IDT reactions were evaluated at different times in order to detect IgE-mediated immediate type reactions (type I hypersensitivity reactions, 0.5–1 h), immune complex-mediated late type reactions (type III reactions, 4–10 h) and cell-mediated delayed type reactions (type IV hypersensitivity reactions 24–48 h).In the serological test, overall the control horses displayed more positive reactions than the RAO-affected horses but the difference was not significant. Comparison of the measured IgE levels showed that the RAO-affected horses had slightly higher IgE levels against Aspergillus fumigatus than controls (35 and 16 AU, respectively, p < 0.05), but all values were below the cut off (150 AU) of the test. In the sLT release assay, seven positive reactions were observed in the RAO-affected horses and four in the controls but this difference was not significant.A significantly higher proportion of late type IDT reactions was observed in RAO-affected horses compared to controls (25 of 238 possible reactions versus 12 of 238 possible reactions, respectively, p < 0.05). Interestingly, four RAO-affected but none of the control horses reacted with the recombinant mould allergen A. fumigatus 8 (rAsp f 8, p < 0.05), but only late phase and delayed type reactions were observed.In all three tests the majority of the positive reactions was observed with the mite extracts (64%, 74% and 88% of all positive reactions, respectively) but none of the tests showed a significant difference between RAO-affected and control animals. Our findings do not support that IgE-mediated reactions are important in the pathogenesis of RAO. Further studies are needed to investigate whether sensitisation to mite allergens is of clinical relevance in the horse and to understand the role of immune reactions against rAsp f 8.     

Interaction of antioxidant biobased epicatechin conjugates with biomembrane models

(-)-Epicatechin conjugates with sulfur-containing moieties are strong free radical scavengers with cell-protecting activities, which may be in part modulated by their capacity to bind to biological membranes. We present here a study of the interaction of these conjugates with membrane models such as multilamellar vesicles and a phospholipid-coated silica column (immobilized artificial membrane), monitored by differential scanning calorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The nonpolyphenolic moiety significantly influenced the membrane behavior of the whole molecules. Bulky and hydrophobic conjugates clearly interacted with the phospholipids and may have a tendency to penetrate into the hydrophobic core of the vesicles. In contrast, the smaller cationic 4beta-(2-aminoethylthio)epicatechin may be located at the outer interface of the lipid membrane. The outcomes from both experimental set-ups were in good agreement. The differences detected in the biological activities of the conjugates may be explained in part by their tendency to penetrate the cell membrane.     

Electronic monitoring in fisheries: Lessons from global experiences and future opportunities

Since the beginning of the 21st century, electronic monitoring (EM) has emerged as a cost‐efficient supplement to existing catch monitoring programmes in fisheries. An EM system consists of various activity sensors and cameras positioned on vessels to remotely record fishing activity and catches. The first objective of this review was to describe the state of play of EM in fisheries worldwide and to present the insights gained on this technology based on 100 EM trials and 12 fully implemented programmes. Despite its advantages, and its global use for monitoring, progresses in implementation in some important fishing regions are slow. Within this context, the second objective was to discuss more specifically the European experiences gained through 16 trials. Findings show that the three major benefits of EM were as follows: (a) cost‐efficiency, (b) the potential to provide more representative coverage of the fleet than any observer programme and (c) the enhanced registration of fishing activity and location. Electronic monitoring can incentivize better compliance and discard reduction, but the fishing managers and industry are often reluctant to its uptake. Improved understanding of the fisher's concerns, for example intrusion of privacy, liability and costs, and better exploration of EM benefits, for example increased traceability, sustainability claims and market access, may enhance implementation on a larger scale. In conclusion, EM as a monitoring tool embodies various solid strengths that are not diminished by its weaknesses. Electronic monitoring has the opportunity to be a powerful tool in the future monitoring of fisheries, particularly when integrated within existing monitoring programmes.     

Characterization of Durum Wheat Semolina by Means of a Rapid Shear‐Based Method

A rapid shear‐based test (the GlutoPeak test, recently proposed by Brabender) was used to investigate gluten aggregation properties of durum wheat semolina and to relate them to pasta cooking behavior. Thirty semolina samples were characterized by means of the conventional approaches used for pasta‐quality prediction (protein content, gluten index, and alveographic indices). All samples were also analyzed by the GlutoPeak test, obtaining three parameters: maximum peak torque, maximum peak time, and area under the peak. The GlutoPeak indices were significantly correlated with protein content, gluten index, and W alveographic parameter. The cooking quality of pasta obtained from the 30 semolina samples was evaluated by sensory analysis in terms of stickiness, bulkiness, firmness, and overall quality. The GlutoPeak indices were significantly correlated with the sensorial parameters. In comparison with the alveographic test, which is presently the most used rheological approach for semolina characterization, GlutoPeak analysis presents some advantages represented by a smaller amount of sample (9 g), a shorter time (less than 5 min), and the possibility that untrained analysts can carry it out. In addition, following testing with larger sample numbers, the GlutoPeak test has the potential to be used instead of the gluten index as a rapid and reliable approach for medium‐quality semolina characterization.