Essential regulation of CNS angiogenesis by the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR124

The orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) GPR124/tumor endothelial marker 5 is highly expressed in central nervous system (CNS) endothelium. Here, we show that complete null or endothelial-specific GPR124 deletion resulted in embryonic lethality from CNS-specific angiogenesis arrest in forebrain and neural tube. Conversely, GPR124 overexpression throughout all adult vascular beds produced CNS-specific hyperproliferative vascular malformations. In vivo, GPR124 functioned cell-autonomously in endothelium to regulate sprouting, migration, and developmental expression of the blood-brain barrier marker Glut1, whereas in vitro, GPR124 mediated Cdc42-dependent directional migration to forebrain-derived, vascular endothelial growth factor-independent cues. Our results demonstrate CNS-specific angiogenesis regulation by an endothelial receptor and illuminate functions of the poorly understood adhesion GPCR subfamily. Further, the functional tropism of GPR124 marks this receptor as a therapeutic target for CNS-related vascular pathologies.     

rDNA cytogenetics and some structural variability in an <Emphasis Type="Italic">Avena barbata</Emphasis> Pott ex Link × <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. sativa</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">nuda</Emphasis> (L.) Gillet et Magne amphiploid after 5-azaC treatment

The paper reports on the study of DNA methylation patterns in chromosomes of an octoploid selection obtained from an amphiploid Avena barbata × Avena sativa ssp. nuda, their alteration and plant structural changes induced by 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) treatment. Subtelomere/telomere regions and some chromosomes remained heavily methylated after this practise. The increased concentration of 5-azaC strengthened the demethylation process. NOR rDNA loci on five and 5S rDNA doubled loci on three pairs of chromosomes were detected. Some 5S loci were colocalised with NORs. The number of active NORs was increased by one homologous pair after demethylation and this was related to minor loci. The NORs were mainly located on A/D genomes. Patterns of nucleoli fusion varied between main and lateral roots and demethylation increased the number of uninucleolar nuclei. Seed germination was inhibited and plant growth decreased under demethylation. 5-azaC also induced distinct anomalies in endosperm development. Extensive parts of the tissue were composed of defected cells or remained empty. Polyploidised clones of starchy or aleurone cells were observed, as were aleurone cells exhibiting new rare phenotypes.     

Providencia alcalifaciens as the presumptive cause of diarrhoea in dog

A case of diarrhoea in a four-month-old golden retriever is described. On the basis of anamnesis and bacteriological examination, the diagnosis of bacterial enteritis due to Providencia alcalifaciens was reached. Although there are contradictory opinions about the role of this organism as the enteric pathogen, it seems that Providencia alcalifaciens should also be taken into consideration in the routine bacteriological diagnostics of diarrhoea in dogs.     

Equid Herpesvirus-Associated Abortion in Poland between 1977-2010

Equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) isolation and direct immunofluorescence were performed on tissues from 452 aborted and stillborn foals, which were submitted to the Pathology Department of Wroc?aw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland, from different farms in Poland between 1977 and 2010. Although case submissions were received year-round, the number of submitted abortions peaked in the month of January, and then gradually decreased until June. EHV-1-associated abortion or neonatal death was diagnosed in 106 cases. At the beginning of the investigations (late 70s), there were a few cases of the EHV-1 abortions, but in the first half of the 80s, EHV-1 was not isolated. Until 1990, the percentage of abortion ranged from 0% to 50%, reaching its peak in 1984. A similar situation was observed during the next two decades. In 1991, 1998, 2007, and 2008, there was no isolation, and the highest rate (50%) was noticed in 1996 and 2000. The results of this study indicate that EHV-1 in Poland remains an important cause of pregnancy loss in horses, despite extensive vaccinations.     

The record of postglacial environmental changes of the southern Baltic coastal zone in the sequence of fossil soils

Journal of Soils and Sediments - The studies aimed to reconstruct major phases of litho-morpho-pedogenic processes and past environmental changes in the Baltic coastal zone near Podd?bie...