Transforming fusions of FGFR and TACC genes in human glioblastoma

The brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most lethal forms of human cancer. Here, we report that a small subset of GBMs (3.1%; 3 of 97 tumors examined) harbors oncogenic chromosomal translocations that fuse in-frame the tyrosine kinase coding domains of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genes (FGFR1 or FGFR3) to the transforming acidic coiled-coil (TACC) coding domains of TACC1 or TACC3, respectively. The FGFR-TACC fusion protein displays oncogenic activity when introduced into astrocytes or stereotactically transduced in the mouse brain. The fusion protein, which localizes to mitotic spindle poles, has constitutive kinase activity and induces mitotic and chromosomal segregation defects and triggers aneuploidy. Inhibition of FGFR kinase corrects the aneuploidy, and oral administration of an FGFR inhibitor prolongs survival of mice harboring intracranial FGFR3-TACC3-initiated glioma. FGFR-TACC fusions could potentially identify a subset of GBM patients who would benefit from targeted FGFR kinase inhibition.     

Multicentric Hemangiosarcoma in the Horse: A Case Report

The present article reports a case of multicentric hemangiosarcoma in a 22-year-old Warmblood mare presented for recurrent fever and weight loss. Thoracic ultrasonography showed multiple small areas of pulmonary consolidation. Ultrasonography in the region of the right liver lobe showed the presence of a rounded mass, approximately 24 × 19 cm² in size, extending from the 9th to 14th rib of the right side, characterized by multiple fluid-filled cavities and hypo- and hyperechoic rounded areas. On the left side, several hyperechoic rounded areas were detected in the spleen. Because of sudden onset of hemoperitoneum and worsening of the clinical conditions, the mare was humanely destroyed. Necroscopy confirmed the presence of hepatic, splenic, and pulmonary lesions, and showed further nodules on the stomach wall. The microscopic appearance of the lesions was consistent with hemangiosarcoma with multiple visceral metastases. Because the reported prevalence of equine hemangiosarcoma is as low as 0% to 0.7%, this case report may provide further information and describe one of the possible ultrasonographic patterns of multicentric hemangiosarcoma in horses.     

Carbon balance and soil carbon input in a poplar short rotation coppice plantation as affected by nitrogen and wood ash application

New Forests - The increasing importance of short rotation coppice (SRC) plantations for bioenergy production makes it crucial to evaluate their carbon (C) sink potential and to understand which...     

Clinical Nutrition in Gerontology: Chronic Renal Disorders of the Dog and Cat

The recent advances in the nutrition of companion animals has resulted in a longer possible life-span for dogs and cats and an improvement in their quality of life. Numerous studies about geriatric animals show that an aging dog or cat requires a specific nutritional formulation that considers the metabolic changes associated with age. A correct diet plays an important role in the treatment of some chronic pathologies in aging animals, particularly those for which the aging process modifies the organ function. A correct diet can provide therapeutic support to the administration of drugs that can sometimes compromise organ function. In the present study, we identify key aspects of the clinical nutrition during chronic renal disorders of dogs and cats, diseases with an elevated incidence and a major cause of mortality in geriatric animals. The aim of nutritional treatment for dogs and cats affected by chronic renal disorders is to improve the quality and length of life, assuring an adequate amount of energy and slowing the progression of renal failure. To improve treatment efficacy it is necessary to prepare different dietary rations during the various stages of disease, on the basis of clinical signs and laboratory data.     

Possible involvement of herbicide sequestration in the resistance to diclofop-methyl in Italian biotypes of Lolium spp.

The mechanism of resistance to diclofop-methyl in three Italian populations of Lolium spp. (two resistant and one susceptible) was investigated. The major proportion of R-1 (Tuscania 1997) and R-2 (Roma 1994) plants (approximately 80%) survived after herbicide treatment by emitting new tillers from the crown. Both resistant (R-1 and R-2) and susceptible (Vetralla 1994) Lolium spp. populations were target-site sensitive. No difference in diclofop-methyl absorption by shoots of resistant and susceptible biotypes was observed. At the dose corresponding to 1× the recommended field rate, a relatively higher metabolism was found in R-2 biotype. In contrast, at the doses 2× and 10× the field rate no difference in herbicide metabolism between susceptible and resistant biotypes was observed. At all the three herbicide doses (1×, 2×, and 10× the field rate) 48 h after the treatment (HAT), the total amount of metabolites produced by wheat was more than three times higher than that produced by resistant and susceptible ryegrass biotypes. At the doses 1× and 2× the field rate, the herbicide translocation was different in the susceptible biotypes compared to resistant biotypes. The total amount of the radiolabel found 48 HAT in culm and root was approximately twice in susceptible biotype than in resistant biotypes. Susceptible and resistant ryegrass biotypes differed in the capability of their roots to acidify the external medium. Susceptible biotype acidified the external solution at approximately 6 times the rates of the resistant biotypes. In the present study, the mechanism responsible for resistance in the investigated resistant biotypes was not univocally identified. Indirect evidence supports the possible involvement of herbicide sequestration or immobilization.     

A check-list of the Libyan cultivated plants including an inventory of the germplasm collected in the years 1981, 1982 and 1983

Summary Based on literature sources and own explorations in 1981, 1982 and 1983 a check-list of the Libyan cultivated plants was compiled. Altogether 279 species and several infraspecific taxa could be listed. For each species a concise synonymy, the Libyan name, use and distribution patterns in Libya are given. A rich germplasm including 49 species has been collected and an inventory of these plant genetic resources which are valuable for breeding programs is presented. The check-list provides a useful tool for further explorations of plant genetic resources in Libya.

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Eine Liste der libyschen Kulturpflanzen mit einem Verzeichnis der in den Jahren 1981, 1982 und 1983 gesammelten pflanzlichen genetischen Ressourcen

Zusammenfassung Auf der Grundlage von Literaturquellen und eigener Explorationen in den Jahren 1981, 1982 und 1983 wurde eine Liste der libyschen Kulturpflanzen zusammengestellt. Insgesamt konnten 279 Arten und zahlreiche infraspezifische Taxa erfaßt werden. Zu jeder Art werden eine kurze Synonymie, der libysche Name, Nutzung und Verbreitungstendenzen in Libyen aufgeführt. Ein reiches, 49 Arten umfassendes Material wurde gesammelt, und ein Verzeichnis dieser pflanzlichen genetischen Ressourcen, die für Züchtungsprogramme wertvoll sind, wird gegeben. Die Liste liefert eine brauchbare Grundlage für die weitere Exploration pflanzlicher genetischer Ressourcen in Libyen.

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, 1981, 1982 1983

1981, 1982 1983 qu . 279 . , , . , 49 , , . .

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Dedicated to our colleague Dr.Rusudan K. Beridze, enthusiastic researcher in the field of plant genetic resources, on the occasion of her 70th birthday     

New data on the Zygentoma (Insecta, Apterygota) from Italy

The fauna of Zygentoma from Italy is reviewed and extended by new data. Ctenolepisma guadianica and Allacrotelsa kraepelini are new to Italy (the second one is also a new genus for this country). Neoasterolepisma crassipes is new to continental Italy and Atelura formicaria is new to Sicily. Neoasterolepisma angustothoracica (Grassi & Rovelli, 1890) n. comb., is redescribed.The Zygentoma fauna of Italy is composed of 24 species, 2 of Ateluridae (Atelura formicaria and Proatelurina pseudolepisma), 16 of Lepismatidae (Allacrotelsa kraepelini, Ctenolepisma algharbica, C. ciliata, C. guadianica, C. lineata, C. longicaudata, C. targionii, Lepisma chlorosoma, L. saccharina, Neoasterolepisma angustothoracica, N. balcanica, N. crassipes, N. wasmanni, Thermobia domestica, Tricholepisma aurea and T. gyriniformis) and 6 of Nicoletiidae (Coletinia maggi, C. setosula, C. subterranea, Coletinia sp. III, Lepidospora sp. and Nicoletia phytophila). A key to the identification of all these species is given.